Help me with knee pain!

[Tattyhead78]

I get awful knee pain walking down stairs. I also get knee pain generally after running if I run more than once or twice a week. I am in my mid-30s but I have had this problem for as long as I can remember. I have good fitness levels from other sports not involving running, I also walk a lot and I wouldn't describe myself as overweight but am certainly not slim.

Is there anything I can do to help get rid of the pain? I had physio when I was a teenager but it didn't help much. I find it very frustrating that I can't run much and have to hold the bannister going downstairs. (I have no problem goin upstairs!)

You need to go and see a good physio, get assessed as to whether there is a biomechanical reason for the pain, and then if rehab with them (and assiduously following their advice) doesn't work, asking for a referral to a knee specialist for an MRI

I will be assiduous in following any advice! How much is it likely to cost and how do I find a good physio? I can't afford to throw good money after bad but am prepared to spend some money if it works. I don't think I will get any help on the NHS but I only earn a modest salary and DH's insurance won't cover me due to previous medical history - I should say I had a year of physio and orthotics as a teenager but any improvement was only temporary.

I've recently seen a physio privately (not knee), and it was £30 a session - but he gave v good value for money as he was based at a leisure centre so could set you up with an exercise, go off and see someone else, come back and supervise on something else etc etc. So £30 got me 1 1/2 hours, and others were getting more than that. He also spotted that DHs vv bad knees were in part due to his feet and produced orthotics at v low cost that have helped hugely.
Go and talk to your gp though - they will know whether the NHS physios are good, or whether its best to go for a referral straightaway. I know my mum has been referred on NHS, but has a specialist physio appt before she sees the consultant

Why don't you think you'll get NHS help?

I have recurring knee problems following an old injury and surgery, and when the ongoing pain turns into a big flare up every few years (bits of loose cartilage) I get myself referred to Orthopaedic surgeon and physio.

So far each time that has helped without need for further surgery as my knee is knackered enough without more scarring, but it's always an option which is why the orthopod keeps an eye.

Get to your GP and ask.

I assumed I wouldn't get NHS help because it's not like I can't walk, it's just painful. Also, when I was a teenager there was talk of some kind of operation but the waiting list was so long - it not being an essential operation - a decision was made to go straight to physio (which was then paid for on my DF's insurance).

Another thing is that it isn't an injury, it's always been like that.

hi tatty head. i had patellar tendonopathy, and excellent non surgical treatment on the nhs. i'm not convinced it was injury... just wear and tear that did it, but the physio and rehab i got were sooooo helpful. also i asked about shoes, and they didn't give any advice, but i find the lighter shoes i wore, the less pain i had. it is no longer a problem. i think the physio for knee problems has improved in the last 15 years, and highly recommend you ask your gp surgery to refer you to nhs physiotherapist as soon as possible.good luck

Thank you all for your advice. I think I will go and see my GP after all. I feel a bit embarrassed that I have been putting it up with it for over 20 years and I imagine the GP might ask me why I am so bothered about it now, but sometimes enough is enough!

Yes, I'm sure medical professionals are used to people tolerating a condition for many years, hoping it'll just go away, and they will not bat an eyelid. Also, as we age these things impact on us more even if the level of pain is the same. Good luck.