Hello. i'm 45, 6', 204 pounds. osteoarthritis in both knees. i know hydrocodin is addictive, but with it i'm able to exercise. so, what's the downside?

Addiction: Addiction is the biggest downside of hydrocodone. Chronic hydrocodone use can increase your pain your threshhold. If it helps you excercise, it would be acceptable to take it for a short period of a time. Hydrocodone is almost never a long-term medication.

The addiction.: As you said, Hydrocodone is addictive - eventually it'll stop working which means you'll take more, then that'll stop working so you'll need a stronger narcotic, and next thing you know you're hooked. Try to stick with potent anti inflammatories and stay out of harm's way.