Left knee cap problem:?

Question

"left knee of a friend around left side of kneecap just below looks swolen, a bit black and blue, no pain, but as the person walks, she says it feels a bit spongy. No health insurance due to lack of funds. The same knee had had a dislocated knee cap which was operated on some 15 years ago. She says no pain.

Thoughts? Ideas? remember: no health insurance, Queens, NYC, NY

Answer 1

Go to er and ask for indigent care. They will pay the bill if she qualifys. Hope she gets something done quick so she will not have pain or worse injury later! I have had 3 knee surgeries and planning on a knee replacement soon so I know about knee problems!

Answer 2

Your friend definitely needs to see someone that can check it out. It sounds like she definitely has some inflammation going on there whether it is causing pain or not and it needs to be checked. The worst thing is to rub the area right now as it can worsen. My concern is there is something going on from this surgery she had years ago, and without proper treatment it could become alot worse without treatment... make her go to the emergency room if she has no insurance, the hospital can be paid 1 dollar a week if need be... better to be safe and in debt than sorry later!

Answer 3

I was involved in a car accident about 25 years ago (hit by a drunk driver.) I had half of my right kneecap shattered and the muscle had been detached. The surgeon removed the pieces and reattached the muscle to the remaining piece of my kneecap. He told me that arthritis usually sets in early whenever bone is damaged. He was right. I now have it. He also told me that they don't like to replace the kneecap in a young person because it usually only lasts about 15 years. My knee does not give way, but I definitely can't do what I used to do. I also experience the same kind of pain you are describing and also have to pull over to stretch it. You should go to your doctor to see what your options are. Good luck

Answer 4

Ok. no pain... but feels weird.
Not really a good sign, but better than pain.
Sounds like maybe an LCL sprain... or arthritis.
More likely arthritis due to dislocation in past.
Knee brace with hole in the middle.
Ice and elevation above the heart to try to bring down swelling.
NSAIDS if tolerated to bring down swelling
and then
Chondritin Sulfate.. if she isn't diabetic.

Answer 5

Well your friend should see a Doctor to at least get a diagnosis - they would also be advised to get physio which I think in the US is not as expensive as it is over here (UK).

You might want to check out this website www.kneeguru.co.uk where you will find fellow knee sufferers.

Good luck but without a proper diagnosis it is very dangerous to take advice from anyone unqualified.

Answer 6

yes ... sounds like the same issues I had...

every now and again I sprain my knee.. it gets a swollen.

I take ibuprofen to reduce the swelling ... also raise your knee to help fluid drain from the knee

and to start with go and see if you can get some physical therapy
- a bit of ultra sound etc helps
- then its all about doing exercisies to get up the strength again.

but dont rush it.... as you also need time to heal

Answer 7

• Cetylmyristoleate

CMO--Is effective in treating patients afflicted with mild to severe cases of various forms of arthritis. Studies Show a consistent, permanent relief from pain, inflammation, and marked deformation of nearly all interphalangeal & large joints

http://www.proliberty.com/observer/20020708.htm

Answer 8

Operations do not work for everyone

Answer 9

maybe shes on them too much. :)

JK