Who do I see about knee pain?

[Biosblbay]

I am only 32, I have had knee pain in my left knee for quite a few years, I remember having issues with it when I was in my early 20s, especially when going gym the pain would come on more then. I do believe it might be down to the way I stand (all weight on one knee) but now the pain is in the other knee. The pain is becoming worse, sometimes it just flares up out of nowhere, and today the pain is in both knees which I have never had before, but it’s pretty bad, I am struggling to walk. I have never been overweight, my BMI might be classed as overweight at the minute due to weight gain of having 2 children, but I am still not massive. I am a UK size 12/14.

I did have severe pelvic girdle pain with my second born (now 7 months old) - not sure this has contributed to it.

Is this a GP appointment, A&E or do I see a chiropractor? I have no idea where to start! I need to get something sorted.

would also love to know if there is anything I can do to help with the pain, has anyone my age also been in this situation. I feel like crying. I am a fairly fit and active Mum of two very young children and the fact this is happening to me now is devastating.

I initially went to the GP. They then referred me for an X-ray, which showed osteoarthritis and then I was referred to the physio department at the hospital. Hasn’t really helped and the GP has just thrown pills at me 😐

@rainbowstardropsI hate this, there isn’t much help and support at all is there! And I don’t do medication either, causes more long term issues with health! I would go private if I had to though. I suppose GP is the start though so I can at least can an xray and diagnosis. Thank you

A good sports physio is worth the money and then some.

I have arthritis and due to a fused right ankle was suffering from left knee wear due to a change in gait, now said to be needing a total knee replacement, something I’m not keen on having until absolutely necessary.
The game changer for me has been taking omega 3-6-9. Very little pain, except on days where I’m not that active. Don’t know why but it works for me!

No, not much help! I was put into a pain management course but that was only for six weeks and then you’re on your own again! I have had one steroid injection in my knee that helped for a few months. It’s so debilitating!

It's not an accident or emergency, so definitely not A&E.
Don't go near a chiropractor either, as they could cause all sorts of damage.
Just see your GP and they will make a referral, if appropriate.

Honestly a good sports physio is your best bet. One that specialises in knees. I'm 62 and 2 years ago was getting terrible knee pain. Saw a physio for 2 visits who diagnosed general age related changes but weak muscles. I've done loads of exercises with the help of my PT at the gym and my knees are much stronger. I need to lose about 4 stones too but physio said, very kindly, I wasn't too heavy (I am) but my knees weren't strong enough to take it.
I was a GP and physios have a lot more training than us and a private one has more time if you can put money aside.
Edited to add my knee is brilliant now. No pain at all. I leg press quite heavy now.

Come on op you are a 32 year old mother of 2 do you honestly need to ask mumsnet this.

@youalright I don’t like wasting time or resources, I don’t want to be passed around here and there so I want to take the quickest and easiest route so finding this out. I don’t have time to waste and the responses have been helpful. Sports physio, wouldn’t have even known about that as an option.

I’m in the same position OP. 45 and my left knee has just had it. I have osteoarthritis in the knee and a GP appointment in a few weeks to see what I can do about the instability in the knee. No advice, lots of sympathy

You may be able to self-refer to a physio at your GP surgery. They may be able to advise on actions you can take to strengthen the surrounding muscles or refer you for imaging or orthopedic consultation.

I would try a sports physio or an osteopath (def not a chiropractor). A one-off appointment with one of these would likely cost around £60 to £100. Probably well worth doing if you can afford it.

Or you could go via GP who would probably refer you to someone but I’d expect quite a long wait.

Also- do you exercise OP? I realise many people don’t have time for it when they have young children, but strengthening muscles around joints can hugely help (depending on what the actual injury is of course). A sports physio would be able to advise on what sort of exercise would help.

Go and I got referred for a steroid injection after they x rayed it. It was amazing! Hope you get sorted

My friend has had awful knee pain for 20 years now (she blames running marathons in her 20/30s).

Pills and physio appointments only worked for so long. She wishes she had pushed harder with her GP and made more of a nuisance of herself years ago. I would try privately whatever you can afford but keep on at your GP too so your issues/treatment that have been tried are on record, get whatever referrals you can as the waiting lists are long, make sure they know if it is impacting quality of life and/or ability to work.

My friends pain progressed and she can no longer work (employer terminated her contract due to it) and has eventually been referred for a knee replacement, but has been told the waiting list is 2 years!

Physio - but call up and have a chat with them first. Some are better than others.

My knee pain was helped immeasurably after a physio spotted within minutes that my heels pronate. Got custom insoles made and within weeks, knee pain totally gone.

PS - Never a chiropractor!! Snake oil salesmen IMO.

Have you considered an osteopath?

You need a physio of the standard who does the physio for knee replacement operations and preferably one who does the pre-operation physio to try to avert a knee replacement.

Knee replacements are tricky and people often don't end up any better off.

My OHs knee physio has worked wonders. He works out of a Spire hospital and is dead against knee replacements until the patient has diligently carried out his physio instructions but still can't cope. He says most people give up thinking the operation will be easier.

My OH used to walk with his left knee bowing out sideways. Now he does 20 minutes specific exercises daily to strengthen the whole leg and hip and buttock and walks much better with much reduced pain levels.

GP........you need a diagnosis before any treatment and first stage of that is an x-ray!

But surely you know a&e isn't appropriate