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Original poster

Knee pain -excrutiating

17 replies

MummySS22 · 21/12/2023 11:01

I've posted about this before but I have the worse knee pain for about 8 weeks now. Its my right knee and it started kind of in my shin below my kneecap, at first it wasn't pain at rest it was pain when standing, kneeling, walking up stairs, straightening the knee after being sat for a while or in getting up in the morning. I can walk once I get going with little discomfort. The last few days the pain is also in my knee cap even when resting. It hurts so bad! I've been to my GP who wast bothered. I am overweight very much so and said it's because I'm overweight. I'm not dismissing that and I have been making lifestyle changes to shift this weight.. I can't get an appointment until January and the pain is unbearable today. I feel like it doesn't really warrant a 111 or a trip to A & E as it's an ongoing issue. I also hav extreme lower back pain and pelvic pain in my hips, I'm starting to think it's all related.

Does anyone have a similar issue and brutal opinions please, is it possible that my weight alone could be causing me this much pain. Even though I'm overweight I am generally active, my down fall is junk. I have al ays struggled with my weight. I was 24 stone last year and am now 18 stones. Whilst still overweight I've come a long way and I don't recall having this much pain when I was bigger, any suggestions or advice on what I can do to relive the pain would be appreciated. I've tried all OTC medicines, cold and hot compress. I have a toddler 18 months and I'm finding it difficult to even pick him up (he's a big lad,) because the pain in my knee is so bad and any pressure or force feels like my bones will snap!

OP posts:
Rocknrollstar · 21/12/2023 11:09

Can I just say that I suffered knee pain for two years and it turned out the pain was referred from my hip and I needed a replacement. What ever your weight your entitled to medical attention. Ask for an X-ray and CT scan of the knee for starters.

Original poster
MummySS22 · 21/12/2023 11:14

I did enquire about this but only being 31 they wouldn't entertain the idea. I had a similar issue with my other knee around ten years ago and had an x ray and MRI they said it's cartilage damage and I have permanent swelling in my other one but no pain so I know it's not the same thing.

OP posts:
peppermintcrisp · 21/12/2023 11:19

I had terrible Knee pain I had to crawl upstairs. I couldn't go running, it was awful. I had physio, nothing worked. I went on HRT and it has now pretty much gone. I can run and I also do a lot of strength training now as the pain has gone. I run up the stairs now!

peppermintcrisp · 21/12/2023 11:19

Just to say I suffered with this for about 5 years until I suggested to the GP maybe HRT might help.

Original poster
MummySS22 · 21/12/2023 11:21

@peppermintcrisp sorry I'm only 31 so I don't think thats an issue. I've should have put that in my Original post.

OP posts:
FadedRed · 21/12/2023 11:21

Yes, your weight isn’t helping as you know, but you have done brilliantly to reduce 6 stones! That’s amazing of you and keep up the good work. Still should be helped though, and whilst waiting for a referral appointment you might find these things help:
Orthotic insoles in good supportive shoes, no high heels or toe-curling ballet pumps,
Steroid injections
This is a strange one but can be effective - when going up or down stairs, put your feet at a 45 degree slant from the middle, rather than straight in front. Don’t know why it works, but it does.
Cycling (gently not that Pelaton stuff!) can be a less painful way of getting exercise than walking, try an exercise bike and see if you can use it comfortably and then invest in one if you can. Doesn’t have to be very expensive, they are often available second hand or a basic model is less than £100 from Argos or similar.
Volterol gel.

garlictwist · 22/12/2023 05:43

I have hip problems and feel pain in my knees so don't rule that out. I know there is absolutely nothing wrong with my knees as I've had scans and doctors loook at them, but they can be very painful at times and I feel like I need to "pop" them. Just a thought. PS - well done on the weight loss, that's incredible!

CalmConfident · 22/12/2023 05:50

Physio or osteopath, you will need some specific exercises…lots of things it could be. Did it get worse quite suddenly? A meniscus tear? Hip, backs & knees all closely connected

FortofPud · 22/12/2023 06:07

Your description sounds like it could be tendonitis. I'd take ibuprofen and do knee exercises from the arthritis uk website. Also vit d supplements if you're not already.

Seaitoverthere · 22/12/2023 06:15

You need bloods at this point to rule out inflammatory arthritis as it can be triggered by pregnancy . You could well be right that your back pain and hip pain are related. Any history of autoimmune disease or psoriasis in your family?

Goatymum · 22/12/2023 08:29

I had an arthroscopy in my early 30s. Had awful knee pain for a while - had physio which was useless, then I used my dh’s work health insurance and got an mri and eventually the operation as my meniscus was damaged - they shaved a bit off and it’s been fine since. I was actually pregnant before the issue started and after the MRI (had to delay mri due to pregnancy). The consultant said the issue was more consistent with a sporting injury! I said it was prob all the buggy pushing!

My other knee is giving out now - doesn’t like hills - but I’m 20 years older so wear and tear expected.

museumum · 22/12/2023 08:33

You need to see a physio. In some places you can self refer to an nhs physio but if you can a private one will be about £50 and I’d highly recommend it.

Original poster
MummySS22 · 22/12/2023 10:43

Seaitoverthere · 22/12/2023 06:15

You need bloods at this point to rule out inflammatory arthritis as it can be triggered by pregnancy . You could well be right that your back pain and hip pain are related. Any history of autoimmune disease or psoriasis in your family?

I was tested for celiac, Rheumatoid arthritis and currently being investigated for Addison's for unrelated symptoms so I thought maybe something would show up. I was negative for RA and had normal levels of inflammation apparently. I've had all bloods for vit D, B12 etc x

OP posts:
evenbarnyardanimals · 22/12/2023 11:03

I've had a meniscal tear twice in the same knee similar pain to you describe. What helped the most was GP organising physio for me. Is there a physio in your GP practice OP?

Original poster
MummySS22 · 22/12/2023 11:13

evenbarnyardanimals · 22/12/2023 11:03

I've had a meniscal tear twice in the same knee similar pain to you describe. What helped the most was GP organising physio for me. Is there a physio in your GP practice OP?

Yes there is not I know the spring list is loongg. I had a tear in me shoulder last year diagnosed through MRI. I still haven't had physio as still waiting but the issue is much more manageable there. Should I just call up and request to be added or do I need to convince my doc to give me an x ray or MRI to see if there is anything there?

OP posts:
Lordofmyflies · 22/12/2023 14:27

From where you have described the pain starting and developing, it does sound like patella tendonitis. In which case, 15 mins ice on the elevated knee 4x a day, ibuprofen 2 tab x 4 doses a day, rest, elevate for a week. No exercises initially. See if it improves. If not, book to see a physio or osteopath to examine your knee. They will be able to refer you for x-ray or bloods as they see necessary.

Garman · 22/12/2023 14:52

Have you seen an osteopath?

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