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What Causes Severe Pain In Knees?
Question: I have had moderate to severe pain in my left knee for one week now. I thought it was a torn meniscus which I have had before. I used heat and Advil for that and it finally went away. But this pain seems to move around in the knee area, sometimes on top of kneecap, sometimes on the back of my knee and sometimes 5 or 6 inches below the knee front and back. In a days time, I am able to move around for several hours without pain, then it comes back with a vengeance. Tonight my foot and the area around my knee is numb and tingling. I researched phlebitis and pulmonary embolism but my symtoms don't seem the same. However, I would like to know if I should be concerned and what kind of Doctor should I see if that is necessary. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Possibility of osteoarthritis of your knee.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.
According to your symptoms and findings there is possibility of osteoarthritis of your knee.
Yes you need to take appropriate treatment after diagnosis.
You can start cartilage protecting medication like chondritin sulphate twice daily, that you need to take for couple of months [available OTC].
Take analgesic like Percocet 10/325 and add tab methylcobalamine 1500mcg daily.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and tens will help, along with knee exercises
Life style changes will help in reducing pain which include,
ACTIVITY MODIFICATION -It is important to maintain as much activity and joint motion as possible, but impact activities will aggravate arthritis. Running and jumping will often accelerate cartilage loss from the joint. The key is to focus on low impact activities, such as swimming or cycling.
USING CANES: Assistive devices can make it easier to go about your day without stressing your painful joint. A cane may take weight off your knee or hip as you walk. Carry the cane in the hand opposite the leg that hurts.
VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION: Hyaluronic acid injections given into the joint (especially large joints like knee joint) in prescribed dosages will give good short term pain relief in arthritic joints ranging from 1-2 years. You need to consult orthopaedic surgeon for taking it.
You may need to consult orthopaedic surgeon for further treatment
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
If you are satisfied with answer do not forget to give rating to this answer.
Wishing you good health.
Take care
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
Answered by
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