As far as I know, there is no such word as POISEN--it is correctly spelled as POISON.

Thanks, Artemiss. It's always hard to write about a complicated subject in a proscribed number of words; I worry that I've left something important out!

Debbie,__I applaud you for being debt-free and I wholeheartedly support every comment you've made!

Tony, Surgery should always be a last resort as I stated in the article: "Like all surgery, knee replacement surgery should be performed only after all palliative measures have failed and as a last recourse to eliminate debilitating pain and restore function." You are correct that genetics and injuries are responsible for much osteoarthritis as noted in my article: ". . . young people can be likewise side-lined by osteoarthritis if joint cartilage is damaged by unusual or extreme joint stress as in some sports injuries . . . " and "up to 50% of osteoarthritis is thought to be related to an inherited tendency to develop joint degeneration . . " (that's genetics). I am pleased that you found a solution that did not involve surgery and I hope you continue to be satisfied with your palliative treatment.

Beau, thank you for your compliment. I am a ardent dog lover and somewhat intolerant of those who take their dogs for granted. I can't imagine life without one.