Knee pain and swelling for over a month
Posted , 6 users are following.
I'm 19 years old and have never had any knee problems until about a month ago when it all started. I woke up and the inner side and back of my right knee and above and below my kneecap was swollen and in pain. The pain is worse when my leg is straight, or very bent. It is most comfortable slightly bent. The pain also increases when I touch the swelling. There is no difficulty moving my leg or any stiffness, just pain during movement. There is no redness and there is the occasional click or popping sound, less than once a day. I went to my GP who thought it was arthritis and sent me to hospital. Had blood tests and x-rays done and I was told it's all clear and likely to be growing pains (I haven't grown in years!). I had a second opinion and this GP told me it was patellar/general tendonitis and told me to use heat, ice and gave me some exercises to do.
It is now over a week later and after heat and ice the swelling above my knee has reduced slightly. The pain remains the same as before and increases when the leg is very bent or straight and is still sore to touch. Although the swelling has generally reduced, what's noticeable is the swelling at the back of my knee, the inner side and below my kneecap.
Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be, I fear it could actually be arthritis, or what should I do to stop the pain and swelling.
0 likes, 9 replies
dave63380 jason-2016
Posted
Hey Jason, are you involved in sports or any kind of physical activity? Maybe it's an injury? At your age you'll heal quick if they can figure out what the problem is.
AlexandriaGizmo jason-2016
Posted
AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
Oldfatguy1 jason-2016
Posted
dave63380 Oldfatguy1
Posted
Good morning OFG, just wondered why meniscus? Jason definitely needs an orthopedic or sports doc / not a GP / making diagnosis. It's time for an MRI also / I've had 2 knees replaced from injuries that went untreated. Swelling usually indicates injury/ not so much with tendonitis. Always interested in your input here. I know you've really been through a lot. I'm now 3 months post RTHR and feeling good, diagnosis was AVN, I sure hope that was the end of it. Two knees and one hip. That's enough for me thank you! Have a good Sunday.
jason-2016 dave63380
Posted
Thanks for all your responses, it's I only do light low impact exercises since I am asthmatic and stopped after the pain occurred.
I'm in the UK and went to a walk-in clinic due to the pain getting worse (it's gone back down again). The doctor there, again a GP, has told me I need another blood test to confirm it isn't arthritis and to check for gout. Blood test is the end of the week and it's going to take up to two weeks for the results to come. Only after that can I get a specialist referral and looking online the NHS wait times can be months!
KneedInput jason-2016
Posted
You really need an orthopedic specialist. I had similar condition after stepping up out of sand trap while playing golf. Couldn't put my foot flat, swelling, pain, etc. it was a torn miniscus. I have also had arthritis in my knees, did not happen overnight! Waste of time doing blood test for arthritis, you need MRI. Until then, ice and antiinflammatories will be you best friend. Elevate you leg as well. Good luck!!
elizabeth_59334 jason-2016
Posted
You need to go back to GP - at 19 being told it's 'growing pains' is not helpful. You have clearly got a problem - possibly an injury. Need investigating - X-ray - MRI whatever.
jason-2016
Posted
Update - My GP has refused to send me for any scan or specialist referral until I complete 10 weeks of physio. I'm now on week 5 and feel like I'm totally wasting my time. The pain hasn't changed at all. Just as bad as it was a few months ago. After I get through the next 5 weeks I sure hope my GP will get some sense and sent me for scans and to a specialist.