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Suggest Cure For Sharp Pain In The Left Knee
I am a 65 year male trial attorney in excellent physical health. I am an advid tennis player and have played state sectional and national tournaments for over 50 years. I also work out in the gym on most days that I do not play tennis including elliptical bike. I began to experience sharp pain in my left knee about 3 months ago and started wearing a brace and daily icing. After consultation with a doctor and several weeks of physical therapy the pain persisted and took an MRI. The MRI results showed a medial meniscus tear, grade 3-4 cartilage loss involving the medial femoral condyle and grade 2-3 chondromalacia patella. I have rested the knee for two weeks and the level of pain and soreness reduced. Yesterday I played tennis and experienced increased soreness and pain which did subside to some degree overnight. My doctor has advised that my condition will not heal and if it does not respond to physical therapy I can consider cortisone shots but cautioned they are a temporry solution. Arthriscopic surgery to repair the meniscus is not favored due to my age and arthritic condition. Knee replacement would be the final option. I do not wish to giving up my tennis and exercise routine and am looking for an non-invasive treatment. A tennis player friend recommended trying the anti-inflammatory gel Voltaren which he says he ordered online from Canada. I would appreciate your advice. Thank you, Ted
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Dear Ted,
Glad to see someone taking care and interest in physical fitness and gaming at 65.
There are a lot of patients who have seen significant relief after taking single shot of Local Anesthetics + Cortisone within a joint for a good 6-7 months.But as your doctor said, it is in fact a temporary solution.
Given your age and the wear and tear your knee was subjected to since 50 years now, you might be developing Mild - Moderate Osteoarthritis.Hence he has recommended a Total knee replacement.
In my opinion, go for the steroid shots for 2-3 years and try to take up another sport meanwhile.Although Medical Science has advanced these days,a replaced knee will never sustain stresses like a normal knee although you can jog on it for short distances on flat surfaces.
A local Voltaren ointment will temporarily cease the pain and can be applied before you start playing.
We operate 12-15 Knee replacements everyday in India and will be glad to help you.
http://www.srikarahospitals.com/Orthopedics.htm
Glad to see someone taking care and interest in physical fitness and gaming at 65.
There are a lot of patients who have seen significant relief after taking single shot of Local Anesthetics + Cortisone within a joint for a good 6-7 months.But as your doctor said, it is in fact a temporary solution.
Given your age and the wear and tear your knee was subjected to since 50 years now, you might be developing Mild - Moderate Osteoarthritis.Hence he has recommended a Total knee replacement.
In my opinion, go for the steroid shots for 2-3 years and try to take up another sport meanwhile.Although Medical Science has advanced these days,a replaced knee will never sustain stresses like a normal knee although you can jog on it for short distances on flat surfaces.
A local Voltaren ointment will temporarily cease the pain and can be applied before you start playing.
We operate 12-15 Knee replacements everyday in India and will be glad to help you.
http://www.srikarahospitals.com/Orthopedics.htm
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