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What Causes Persisting Pain In Left Knee?

Posted on Fri, 25 Jul 2014

Question: Sudden left knee pain - very intense. Seems to come from the inner side of the kneecap. No injuries, no swelling. After four days of pain, I can still not sit, stand, or walk. Pain relivers have little effect, and the only relief I've found is lying on my left side. In almost any other position, the pain persists. i believe I have artritus in the knee, have had pain before for short times, but nothing like this. I am immobile and cannot get to a doctor or hospital.
Regarding the severe left knee pain, once I've pushed myself to do more than is comfortable (like going to the bathroom or making dinner), I've noticed that the pain is not instant. Insteed, there is a 10-15 second period of normalcy, followed by a tinkling sensation in the knee area, followed by intense pain. All this in thirty seconds or less. Once again, to get some relief from this severe pain, I must lie on my left side. After a minute or so, the pain reverts to a dullness.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestive of osteoarthritis left knee.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

Although it isn't possible to diagnose your condition without an examination and a few tests, your history is suggestive of osteoarthritis left knee. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis treatments can slow the progression of the disease, relieve pain and improve joint function.

I would suggest getting this evaluated by an orthopedician for detailed examination. You may get the X-ray/MRI, some blood tests and joint fluid analysis under his/her guidance to reach the accurate diagnosis.

Until you get to the doctor, the following measures will help with the pain

Do regular Exercise. Exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable. Stick to gentle exercises, such as walking, biking or swimming.

Lose weight if you are obese- Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as your knees and your hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain.

Use heat and cold to manage pain. Both heat and cold can relieve pain in your joint. Heat also relieves stiffness and cold can relieve muscle spasms.

Apply over-the-counter pain creams. Creams and gels available at the drugstore may provide temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain.
Take diet rich in calcium, vitamin d3 and minerals.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (10 hours later)

Thank you, my issues have not been addressed. Firstly, I am totally immobile, so any kind of exercise is impossible. I asked about the tingling sensation before pain kicks in, and about the reason I can only find some relief by lying on my left side. I think those factors are important, yet they don't appear to have been considered. I did receive a rather generic answer which provides absolutely no bebefit in my situation

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Tingling sensation due to nerve compression.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your symptoms are suggestive of arthritic changes. Tingling sensation before pain could be due to temporary nerve compression .

You can apply knee brace during walking. You can take Tramadol preparation for pain after consulting your doctor.

Wishing you good health.

Warm 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