Knee pain - any point trying GP?

[Porridgetime]

I have knee pain when exercising and going upstairs etc - on one side and not excruciating but I’m aware of it and I don’t want it to get worse. Is there any point seeing a GP or should you go directly to a private physio or something like that? Getting a GP appointment is a pain when I only have one day off work a week, and it’s not ‘urgent’. What would you do?

I'm at that age where a lot of my friends are getting these random aches and pains and in our collective experience nope, no point. You don't mention a specific injury so it's just wear and tear and there is little medicine can do except tell you to take painkillers and be careful with knee movements. Unless you're a gram overweight, in which case a GP will tell you all your problems will be solved by losing it.

You won't get NHS physio for that and if you did, it wouldn't help unless you have a specific injury.

I went for the exact same problem, GP referred me for an MRI, done within 2 weeks, report came back and GP called me with the results and options as there is a tear unfortunately so leaning towards an op - glad I went as I did keep putting it off.

I have knee issues from a previous car crash around 9 years ago although it was confirmed at the time I had a knee injury nothing since. I went to GP a few month back, they just referred to physio x

I would suggest straight to private physio and podiatrist. If it's happening with exercise it could be you over or under pronate.

I went to GP, was sent for an MRI and have just had a knee operation because of a meniscal tear.

Given the way you describe it I suspect you may have a tear too.

I tried 18 months of physio first before having an op.

Can u check ur doctors. On ours u can refer urself to physio. They give u exercises. And then if that doesn’t help they make a face to face appointment

I had this. It didn't hurt all the time but absolutely knacked when getting down on my knees to clean the floor, and sometimes kind of throbbed when walking. It was on the outside of my right knee. I saw the pharmacist and he said soft tissue damage and apply heat, ibuprofen gel and elevate leg when resting. It's almost better now after about three or so weeks

I would say yes go. My gp has been brilliant with my knee pain.
X-ray, MRI, physio and I've just had a steroid injection which has been like a miracle cure.

Interesting! Enough of you are saying you’ve had a worthwhile GP visit that I think I’ll give them a call next week on my day off. Before then I’ll keep doing all the stretches etc I’ve found online and stop doing any high impact exercise (which is where the pain has come from I think, I’m a peloton addict).

My mum went for knee pain, it was getting to the stage she couldn't walk though, they were very proactive sending her for tests and physio turns out she's got osteoarthiritis and wearing on one side is common.

Try Voltorol cream or if you can't take ibuprofen/NSAIDs, flexiseq extra strong or red tiger balm. Flexiseq works pretty much immediately, tiger balm needs regular application for a while before the full effects hit.

It's worth going to have on your notes that you attended with knee pain on X date should you need further intervention down the line.

We can self refer to physio in our area, maybe check that. That's probably all the GP will do anyway. Otherwise rest and stretching!

I had a constant pain in my knee that prevented me from going on long walks etc. I saw GP and was referred for an Xray that showed I had mild to moderate osteoarthritis. I was 60 at the time and was told more or less that it's an age thing. I've had NHS physio and various tablets which keep the pain at bay.

This is very interesting. I've had similar kneepain for over a year and my GP just keeps saying lose weight and take paracetamol. It comes and goes in pain intensity and I keep "setting it off" when getting out of the car if I'm not careful. I've just looked up meniscal tear and it appears extremely likely I have that 😮

Speaking from experience with both knee joints having been replaced ….

Go to GP, ask for an x-Ray to bench mark where you’re at with this. Also push for physio.

If you are still in pain in 12 months, ask for another X-ray to see if issue is worsened. Just keep pushing at the doors. Jump through their processes until finally you can say with conviction. “I have done everything you have asked me to do. My knee isn’t getting any better. This has gone on long enough. Refer me to a surgeon please.”

Sorry this is long.I had pain on and off for years. The odd time it would give way and be a bit painful- didn't happen for another year, and just forgot about it. Over time, it became more frequent. Has yours ever locked or given way? Have you tried anti inflammatory meds like voltarol or ibuprofen?

I eventually did see my GP and was also sent for an MRI. I too had a meniscal tear. I was only 40 at this point and hadn't had any specific injury. The things I tried/had:
-Physio
-I pronate inwards when walking, so a podiatrist recommended certain trainer types to help combat that
-Lost 10kg

The pain continued and I when I had follow up Xrays about 18mths later- I was told the meniscus had gone and I now had osteoarthritis in the knee! I was in agony, not sleeping, could bare walk and couldn't work.

A ortho consultant recommended an offloader knee brace. My arthritis is on the inside side of my knee, and the brace opens up this area and puts your weight down the outside. It was a game changer. I could walk, work and live again without pain! Over time, I had 2 braces. 1 was discrete and more elastic and hide under my trousers. I lost more weight, so this one no longer fitted. I was then given a larger, metal and fitted over clothing. Both were given to my by the hospital physio department. Eventually, I weaned myself off the brace (which the physio recommended I do).

This was 4yrs ago. I've gradually put weight back on, but strangely, the pain has never been as bad as it previously was. Maybe I'd strengthened the mucsles to support it more- I have no idea?

I will need a knee replacement in future, but am holding off till I really need it.
Edited to say- YES, see your GP. I'd had the pain on and off for years before bothering my GP. The 1st thing they said was 'well, you've never been here before about knee pain!'. Well no, I was trying to cope myself! Do go, so its at least on your record and you can get the ball rolling- and hopefully at least an Xray or MRI and physio.

It will depend on your area. In my area GP will most likely do a quick exam and tell you to self refer to joint health. They assess you there and then organise x-rays and MRI and more physio. Far better system as GP can't refer for MRI etc.

Ok.

Questions I'd have asked you, one of which you've answered...

1. What have you been doing recently that might have caused the injury or started the pain?
2. Have you looked at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-pain/

@mumda yes I have looked there and am following the advice. I will carry on with it until my next day off until I call the GP! Is that what you’d recommend?

I'm another with knee pain.

It started after a car accident, I saw my friend who's a physio, they recommended exercise to build the muscles up and stabilise the joint. Plus some treatment.

I did this, also lost some weight which helped, though I had to take over the counter pain killers to do the exercise. It did help reduce the constant pain.

Then I fell and injured the same knee again.

I had to change the type of exercise, I had to give up HHIT which I loved doing, running etc.
I do yoga, pilates gentle zumba now.

I saw the GP, sent for a xray, I have osteoarthritis now. The outside of my knee has worn more.
I still see my friend for top up physio.

I've been told there's a path to follow;

When o.t.c pain killers stop working I can have prescribe ones.

When they no longer work then it's steroid injections

When they stop helping it's a knee replacement.

I really don't want a replacement, but maybe I will change my mind when I get to that stage, if I ever do.

If it's started after exercise then it's most likely a physio issue - it's probably related to technique, gait, weak muscles in one area etc. It could even be your trainers! My knees always ache from running when my trainers need replacing.

I would go to a physio - they are far more expert than GPs on this, and you'll be waiting for ever for an NHS physio

Some Physio practices are better than others though so check reviews or get a recommendation

You'll find good knee exercises online tbh. GP a waste of time ime.