Can I have people take a guess what could be wrong with my knees?

[LaurieFairyCake]

I've had an x-ray and doc says it's fine so not osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. I was convinced it was one of those.

Pain gradually increasing over last 2-ish years til it got unbearable 3 months ago. Wakened in agony, throbbing pain. Really bad pain and fatigue on climbing stairs.

Couldn't get a doctors appt and needed to work so had steroid injections done - almost immediate relief - had 10 weeks pain free - was bliss (could jog up stairs). Physio who injected told me to take up aqua aerobics/gym/Pilates/increase exercise. Been doing 6 classes a week. Feel much stronger.

Physio also said my pathways were narrow on the ultrasound when he injected me.

Last two weeks can feel pain coming back - not as bad as before yet but stairs are really painful again

I have an appointment for examination on Monday - doc says they will likely send me for MRI. Doc is 'wondering about ligaments'.

Anyone any ideas?

[Mabelface]

Might be worth getting a gait analysis in case you need orthotics

[LaurieFairyCake]

Thank you. The heels of my shoes wear pretty evenly and I do wear inserts in winter and Birkenstock's and Fit Flops in summer.

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

I had that and the doctor pronounces ‘arthritus’. My friend is an osteopath and I went to see her - turns out it’s not arthritis just something in my pelvis/back thrown out of alignment, so all fine after one treatment.

[lljkk]

arthritis can be diagnosed with x-rays.
How old are you, OP?
What activity aggravates & makes it worse?
Do you have a history of any injuries or chronic over-use?

[LaurieFairyCake]

The doc said it can't be arthritis as the x rays showed none

[MountainDweller]

I think an MRI is a good idea, and a referral to a orthopaedic knee specialist. X-rays are not always the best diagnostic tool for showing joint/cartilage damage. I had a cartilage tear in my ankle that was missed by my GP on an x-ray. Glad the steroid injections helped - they can be repeated but obviously you really need to find the underlying cause.

[Sparklypen]

Agree they should do an MRI . Once I was referred I got the MRI appt through pretty quickly.
Also the physios instruction to do those exercises sound a bit non specific to me.