Long term knee problems ... any experience with these problems?

Question

Last winter I started having issues with my right knee, growing steadily worse over time. Some days it was completely debilitating, leaving me stranded on the couch. I did see a DR, who did an X-ray, that showed nothing. He mentioned scheduling an MRI and an ultrasound, then I never heard from him again, and my life got busier so I left it alone.
Over the summer, I had almost no issues, only a mild ache once in a while.
Cold weathers back, so is the pain. I visited another DR, who did nothing more than refer me to physio, with no diagsnosis. I'm on an 8 week waiting list for physio. I do NOT trust this DR's reaction any more than the idiot I dealt with last year. I want to visit another, but have some info with me if possible.
The pain is intense, usually throbbing around the kneecap. I cannot bend my knee without intense pain, and if I do, when I move to straighten it there is an audible, loud crack that others can hear.

Any experience with issues like this appreciated. :)

Answer 1

You sound like you got your knee at the same shop my husband got his. The doctor you need to see to have it evaluated is an Orthopedic Surgeon. X-rays don't show most of the ails that affect a knee, because most of it involve cartilage or tendons, which don't show up in them. You could have problems with either the cartilage pad that separates the bones of the upper and lower leg, or a partial ligament tear. Either of those problems will cause knee pain, immobitility of the joint, swelling, and even the knee to give out and let you hit the deck. Though I will also tell you that there isn't a lot they can do at the moment if it involves the cartilage. If it's a ligament tear, that can be repaired surgically. My husband has a small hole in his cartilage, and a little extra ligament movement, and has a specially fitted brace to wear when it's really giving him fits. I keep a bag of frozen peas around just for him to use when it swells. I would bet that you have a similar problem, as his also will snap,crackle and pop, and he actually creaks when he walks. He takes Motrin for the pain, and wears the brace when the weather turns cold. Also when he's going to be doing much walking. We see the Orthopedic Surgeon about once a year to re-evaluate the knees, and for him to decide if it's at the point that surgery would be of benefit to him. His Orthopedic Surgeon also has two bad knees, and they usually end up comparing noises and clicks. So I'd say that was your best choice of doctor- Orthopedic Surgeon, and see what he has to say about it. They may do an arthroscopy to have a look at it, and give you the final diagnosis then, along with your treatment options. They can also fit you for a proper brace then as well. Good luck, though I hate to tell you knees are real boogers to fix, and fix well. They make lots of things, but not knees.

Answer 2

go back to the dr and explain the long wait for therapy! and, explain that you're dealing with more unbearable pain...this is if you don't want to go to another dr without anything. don't leave without at least scheduled physical therapy! but, i would tell the dr that you would like to have an MRI scheduled, ASAP! ex-rays don't show everything in the knee. pain is a warning that something is wrong.

your dr should do an exam on you too, moving your knee around to feel and hear the pop himself. most things can be determined right there in the office with a physical exam of the knee!!!! if the dr. you went to didn't do this to begin with...don't go back, go to another one anyways!!! the dr. should be able to tell you what he it could be and then do the MRI to pinpoint the problem!

i've had multiple knee problems, and just went through a knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago. however, the pain that you describe sounds like when i tore the cartilage in my knee. it's not a horrible surgery to go through, but the pain you go through when it's torn can be pretty bad.

Answer 3

I can't say if there may be some thing greater than this happening, so getting looked at through a healthcare professional could also be your high-quality reply...O.K. I am a therapeutic massage therapist and feature visible a few of these identical proceedings with my more youthful purchasers. You are nonetheless younger and developing. Your bones are developing quicker than your muscle groups. Stretching and probably a yoga elegance with a loved ones member could also be what you have to provide the ones muscle groups just a little of remedy. Again, I am now not a healthcare professional, so I can't say if there is not some thing else happening, however that's my high-quality reply from a therapeutic massage therapist factor of view.

Answer 4

I know how you feel, ive suffered from knee pain for years and late this year found out the cause of my pain and that there was nothing i could do about it!! I suggest you find a better DR who will refer you to a specialist (which is what happened to me). They assessed my knee and i went in for a Athroscope (very minor knee surgery, only requires day surgery and a week or so to recover, depending on your job). A specialist will def do all the test required and continue from there...Good Luck

Answer 5

Sounds like you don't have a foot to stand on!