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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Painful Knee

Posted on Tue, 30 Dec 2014

Question: I am a 60 year old long distance runner. This year in August my knee had some mild pain and was swollen. I don't recall any specific incident, e.g., trip or fall, that was the cause. I did not run for 4 weeks but then competed in a half marathon. I was only able to run about 5 miles and my knee pain gradually became worse the longer I ran. I am able to walk fine, up to 5 miles, but I still have swelling of the knee. If I stand for a few hours the swelling increases. Going up and down stairs requires me to use the handrail for support and assistance. On occasion when standing, I will get a twinge (like an electric shock) behind the knee that would cause me to fall if I didn't grab onto something. I have been doing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the legs (leg extensions and leg curls). Also I find that when I fully straighten my left leg, there is a bulge behind the knee. The bulge seems more pronounced the more swollen my knee is. I am not able to fully squat because my left knee becomes tight and painful. What is wrong with my knee? Will I be able to run next year?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Internal injury of knee likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You must have hurt your internal structures in knee while running, which are anterior/posterior cruciate ligament, medial/lateral collateral ligament, medial and lateral menisci, joint capsule, synovium, crossing muscles or bone cartilage. Such pain can also happen due to age related myxoid degeneration of the menisci. It needs proper clinical examination and relevant investigations to diagnose which among these is hurt. These are best visualized on MRI (Magnetic Resonant Imaging).
Heat application and use of knee brace is advised for proper knee support.
Avoid such activities as squatting, kneeling, heavy lifting, climbing, etc.
Adding glucosamine sulfate as supplement after consulting your orthopedician may help in relieving your symptoms.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (14 minutes later)

Do you have any recommendations for a type/brand of knee brace? I have the simple elastic sleeve type but it seems to aggravate my knee pain. I think the added pressure on my knee cap worsens my issues. Is a simple open patella sleeve adequate or should I get something more elaborate?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Keep the leg elevated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
If the elastic knee brace is not helping then open patella sleeve should help. Remove the brace while resting and keep the leg on two pillows to reduce the swelling. Do get an MRI done to find out the exact problem.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar