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Have A Swollen Knee. No Injuries. Reduces By Acetaminophen And Ibuprofen, Moist Heat. X-ray Shows Old Cartilage. Suggestions?
I woke up one morning about a month ago with a very sore, swollen knee. I did not experience any injury or over= exertion that I am aware of. I have had daily pain and swelling in both the front and back of the knee and swelling that can extend to about 3-4 inches above the knee and down as far as my ankle. I get little relief with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Ice appears to make the pain worse and does little for the swelling. Moist heat helps the pain, but again does little for the swelling. THE SWELLING AND PAIN GETS WORSE AT NIGHT while I'm resting it and it is elevated. Although it hurts, I have continued to work (mental health, targeted case manager). I have been evaluated in an urgent care facility. Labs showed no obvious concerns (ie blood clots). An x-ray showed
some old cartilage from a basketball injury i had 20+ years ago (I had orthroscopic surgery to remove some of the damage then). I was prescribed a 6 day course of prednisone which helped (day 2-3) before it came back with a vengeance. The doctor suggested PT as my only other option. As a full time employee with 30 chronically mentally ill clients and being a single mother, I neither have the time, patience or money to be sucked into long term PT for what could potentially be a chronic issue. Should I see an orthopedist and hope for another course of steroids or is there something else you would recommend
some old cartilage from a basketball injury i had 20+ years ago (I had orthroscopic surgery to remove some of the damage then). I was prescribed a 6 day course of prednisone which helped (day 2-3) before it came back with a vengeance. The doctor suggested PT as my only other option. As a full time employee with 30 chronically mentally ill clients and being a single mother, I neither have the time, patience or money to be sucked into long term PT for what could potentially be a chronic issue. Should I see an orthopedist and hope for another course of steroids or is there something else you would recommend
Sun, 30 Jun 2013
Hello,
Thanks for the query to H.C.M. Forum.
Old operated case sometimes get infection.
2nd cause may be osteoarthritis,
3rd cause may be gout,
one more reason may be twist of femur bone over tibia. Knee joint is a weight bearing joint , hence femur bone may get chances of ligament rupture ( menisci ) .
In my opinion , you should consult an Orthopaedician and get his opinion.
At present avoid physiotherapy .
Hope I have answered your question.
If further any question I will help.
Get well soon.
Dr. HET
Thanks for the query to H.C.M. Forum.
Old operated case sometimes get infection.
2nd cause may be osteoarthritis,
3rd cause may be gout,
one more reason may be twist of femur bone over tibia. Knee joint is a weight bearing joint , hence femur bone may get chances of ligament rupture ( menisci ) .
In my opinion , you should consult an Orthopaedician and get his opinion.
At present avoid physiotherapy .
Hope I have answered your question.
If further any question I will help.
Get well soon.
Dr. HET
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