2007-10-31 11:16:06 · 7 answers · asked by Domo 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
There are all kinds of things that cause knee pain. Since you did not mention a specific injury/accident, I will assume she just has knee pain generally, for no obvious reason. My mom and I have both had this non-specific type of knee pain, and it is not easily diagnosed or treated. Women are much more likely to get this non-injury related knee pain due to various structural and bio mechanical problems, just from the way their bones may be aligned and their muscles get used.
If there is not a real injury you can point to, from my experience, the regular doctors probably won't be much help. I would start with them, but if she doesn't get relief, ask specifically to go see a Physical Therapist. If you have more resources, she can also try to find a specialist that focuses on gait analysis, such as certain sports doctors or chiropractors. A podiatrist or the physical therapist may recommend she get form fitted shoe inserts made specifically for her, which can help, but aren't neccessarily a cure all by themselves. The physical therapist can analyze what is going on with her and recommend specific stretches and strengthening exercises to help her body correct the bio-mechanical problems. For example, for me, they focused on stretching the IT band (that runs on the outside of your thigh), stretching and strengthening the hamstrings, stretching the calves and glutes, and strengthening the inner quad muscle.
Also, kneeling for even a few minutes can cause other types of knee pain, so if she kneels to clean or garden, etc, it would be a good idea for her to get some well padded knee pads. Also, she should make sure she wears comfortable and supportive shoes all the time (and definately not shoes with raised heels).
In addition, glucosamine and chondroitin (supplements) can sometime help with joint pain, although they shouldn't really be thought of as a cure, but more like a bandaid.
Icing the knee daily can also help releive pain and reduce cartlidge damage by decreasing inflamation, but again, it is more like a bandaid than a cure. First and foremost, she should go to a Physical Therapist.
2007-10-31 12:41:57 · answer #1 · answered by wdr7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of different things that knee pain can be. Take her to an orthopedic and tell them you need to know what is going on. A x-ray can only show so much.. so they will probably need to an MRI. Maybe some physical therapy. I don't know, but they need to do more acurate testing and treatment. Make sure she goes to an orthopedic doctor/surgeon to see what is going on. They are your best bet because that is what they focus on -- muscles and joints.
Good Luck`
2007-10-31 18:23:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she had an accident or fell down recently she may have torn some cartilage in her knee cap. That happened with my mother earlier this year and her knee bugs her all the time. Her Dr. told her that surgery is a treatment for it to make repairs if that is the problem.
2007-10-31 18:28:19 · answer #3 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe a visit to a Rheumatologist is in order. There are also blood tests that can be done to see if there is arthritis (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis).
An Orthopedist is also another option. If your Mom is seeing one already, another opinion wouldn't hurt.
Good luck!
2007-10-31 18:27:42 · answer #4 · answered by ItsMe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should ask her doctor to order an MRI.
Suffering is optional.
Hate to see her suffer.
2007-10-31 18:27:01 · answer #5 · answered by jfl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
About seeing a naturopath?
Also you can find some info here:
http://www.yourhealthandbalance.com/other/pain/tramadol.html
2007-10-31 19:05:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Maybe she has arhtritis..
2007-10-31 18:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋