Does anyone have problems with their knees?

Question

I am 24 going on 25 years old and have had knee problems since I was nine. Because of these problems I have had 2 surgeries on my right knee. Now my left knee is giving me problems. It started out as a tight feeling on the back and outside of my knee. Then it would swell and a knot would form on the outside. I had a MRI done about 8 months ago and the doctor says there was a small cyst in there and that it was nothing to worry about. Since then my knee has been getting worse.Now it is popping and hurting all of the time. It also feels like it getting caught and sometimes when I am walking up or down stairs the middle of my knee cap hurts and makes my knee give out. I have done a lot of research and have come up with nothing. I have no insurance but am tired of the pain. Any advice would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

oh boy looks like you got some problems going on! i'm sorry to hear that.
Did the doctor ever perscribe you any therapy for your knee or even a brace? you may want to call him back and ask him about your current options with your knee issues. Since you have no insurance try getting some information on knee exercises that they may be able to provide for you. The small cyst that you have behind your knee is called a bakers cyst, that usually occurs when you have arthritis. Did the Dr. mention anything about potential arthritis in your knee? I would also try taking anti inflammartories such as advil or motrin. I have had knee problems since i was a little kid too, but i was heavily into sports. i also work as an MA for an orthopedic Dr. if you have any more questions, i will gladly to help you. good luck!

Answer 2

There isn't anything you can do on your own if the problems are caused by the cyst, but most knee pain begins because muscle tightness or weakness in certain muscle groups that pull the knee joint or knee cap slightly out of alignment. If there hasn't already been damage done to the cartilage or formation of scar tissue in the muscles, knee pain can often be eliminated in a month or two by daily stretching and exercises, but it takes a major commitment, and you need to keep exercising and stretching in perpetuity. I have had to do this for 20 years if I want to walk without pain, but it makes a huge difference in my case.

You might consider having your doctor write up an order that you can take to a physical therapist for evaluation of your knee and prescription of specific exercises and stretching routines.

Here's a web page with some good info:

Answer 3

Sounds like maybe you have a tear in the meniscus. Popping, clunking, catching & giving out are pretty common with that.
( We've had 3 torn in our family)