Knee pain

[Deb 27]

Ok, so I need some advice. I've been having knee pain for a while, mostly in the front when I go down the stairs. No other pain, so they  ordered some PT for me.   The first part was helping a lot. Then, they added some  work with exercise bands. After the 3rd day, I woke up with HORRIBLE pain in the back of my knee and it's very painful to walk.

So, I go to the Orthopedic clinic. They take an x ray and say I have osteo arthritis and offer me a cortisone shot. I think need an MRI. I think I tore something. They say it seems stable to them but at times when I am walking or stepping up on a curb, getting in and out of the car, it does not feel stable. 

Any thoughts for me? It doesn't seem like osteoarthritis starts overnight and gives sudden stabbing pain. Oh, and  on Saturday, while standing up, I got one of the worst pains I've ever had in my life in that knee!

I feel like I got the brush off at the Ortho, especially since I also have RA.

Any thoughts for me? Thanks!

[Carolina]

Dear Deb 27,

A torn meniscus will only show up on an MRI.

I have torn both menisci and with the second, I had a piece of the meniscus stuck in my knee joint.

Persist in asking for help with this pain.  In all likelihood you will find out what the problem is.

I also have osteoarthritis, but a torn meniscus is very different.

Best wishes,

Elaine

[Itsjustme]

Hi, Deb.
I have been a lurker for awhile, but your post caught my eye. I am not sure how much help this will be, but I also have been struggling with issues in my left knee. I basically am just now getting back to "normal" since before Christmas.

Most of the pain is behind my knee and I have been unable to fully straighten my knee and unable to bend it past 90 degrees. It has been painful to walk, painful to sit, painful to sleep. My knee also feels incredibly unstable...as if it will just give way without notice.

I have seen several doctors from several different specialties - none of whom were much help. The response has always been "degenerative disc disease" although there are times it turns on and off like a switch.

I have also had nerve issues in the same leg but the knee problems seem to be unrelated as each condition occurs independently at different times.

I hope you find relief as I know it can be miserable.
Sharon

[Carolina]

Dear Deb 27,

I've had knee issues for many years.  Recently the problems have escalated (pain, locking, a 'dropping' of the knee joint, several others).

I had an evaluation by my Orthopedist last Thursday. 
The diagnosis: severe osteoarthritic changes. 
The remedy: cortisone injections in each knee. 
Surgical recommendation:  No joint replacement, now or ever.

I knew the diagnosis, I didn't expect the cortisone injections in that visit, but have some relief from them.

The reason he won't undertake joint replacement is because I have such profound peripheral neuropathy in both legs, that the risk of complications and poor recovery is very high. 

In addition, changing the function of one knee (with replacement) might so alter my 'gait' that I would have more problems as a result.  And that is assuming the knee replacement were successful.

I have mixed feelings, of course. 

1.  I cannot easily imagine undergoing knee replacement with my intolerance of all opioid medications, and with the extreme issues I have with neuropathy, wearing braces, and walking with a walker.

2.  I am sad that I cannot expect major improvement in my mobility, which is what I had hoped for from a knee replacement.  So, there it is.

I could of course, seek out another orthopedist, perhaps one who specializes in higher risk knee replacement, with peripheral neuropathy complications.  There are two major medical centers in our area, and tho' my orthopedist is associated with Duke, he may not be the most leading edge surgeon.

I will be 76 in March, however, and I have made some measure of 'peace' with my disability.  I guess I will wait and see, but I imagine the option of knee replacement surgery is off the table for now.

Regards,  Elaine