Knee pain

[KBear]

I have suffered pain in one knee for many years but now it's got to the point where sometimes I can hardly walk. I've been referred to a specialist but I wondered if anyone else has had this. It's not my knee cap but to the side of my knee and at the back. The strange thing is it's not constant pain, but some days are really bad.

have certainly had lots of knee pain. What have I tried? - hard to remember. I have twice had some physio which was helpful, but I went private both times and was rubbish about doing the exercises so that was a waste of money, but they basically told me/showed me that I was lacking muscle in my bottom and needed to clench my buttocks whenever bending down . TMI, but when I did what they said the pain went away. the second physio recommended that i see a podiatrist who made me some orthotics (inserts in your shoes). This was two years ago but as he told me it might hurt initially it has taken me this long to decide to wear them. Have finally been doing it this weekend. Not bad but the jury's out on the knee thing.

I guess what I'd say is the straightforward start with your GP and ask to be referred to physio - get onto the waiting list and see.

sorry, i've just read your post again and you're clearly much worse off than me, and already seeing a specialist forget what i said. am stir crazy because ds has had a cold for 4 days and i'm not going out much.

KBear what can be really helpful for specialists is to have some details on when it hurts and when it doesn't. ie. walking up but not down stairs, more in morning than evening. If there is anything that you do which helps get rid of the pain. These are things that can help define in more detail what could be wrong.

From the position of the pain it sounds like ligament problems. DH has this - really needs a cruciate ligament repair (the one footballers have done) but long waiting list. You need to build up the thigh muscle to help take the strain until the docs sort it for you.

thanks for posting all. Useful tip Chuffed - i think I will keep a note of when it's bad so I can present a better picture than saying something vague.

I am fortunate that I have health insurance through work so I shouldn't have to wait too long to get it sorted.

It does sound like a cruciate ligament injury.

Pain, Ive noticed over the years, is often linked to temp/humidity/hour of sleep lost the previous night.

Try a neoprene knee support, they warm as well as support and will help whatever the problem.

agree with ligament theory.

Knee pain = awful

I'm seeing the specialist on Tuesday so hopefully my limping days will soon be over! Thanks for your messages!