really painful, stiff knee

[aquilegia]

Anyone had experience with bad knees?

Help. I've always had problems with my knees, but at the moment they seem worse than ever. My left knee is worse. It's really stiff and painful. It feels like the joint rather than muscles/tendons. It's really awkward and painful to walk up and down stairs particularly.

I've noticed it's worse in winter - but not because of the cold, but the damp. So it's really bad right now.

I don't sit with my legs crossed, I keep my legs extended as much as possible, don't do hard impact sports, am otherwise fit and healthy. Although it possibly doesn't help that I'm double jointed in my knees (they bend slightly the wrong way).

If I went to doctors, could they do anything? I have nothing to show that it is painful and stiff other than my word.

[aquilegia]

[Bionic Wellies]

Hi,

You symptoms sound similar to a problem that I had with my knees (and they are still a little vunerable).  I went to the doctor who said that my knee caps (I am older than 6 so I am the proud possessor of kneecaps) had dropped and were rubbing (grinding) the top of the lower bones.  He passed me onto a physio.  She gave me some exercises that certainly have helped the situation.

What I had to do was lay on my back and then raise my foot about 6 inches from the floor and keep it there for a count of 20 and then relax - repeat for 10 or 20 times (I needed to build up to that).  All the while the leg was raised I had to keep the muscles above my knee cap tense - this pulled the kneecap up.  The whole of this was designed to strengthen the muscles that hole the kneecap in place.

It wasn't an immediate improvement, but over a relatively short time the problem eased - I still do this exercise from time to time and I seldom have problems with my knees.

I would advise consulting your doctor though.  

[Gardengirl]

Don't talk to me about knees Aqui - I could write a book ::)  Used to have a dislocating kneecap so had to have an operation to tighten it up. Trouble is, nowe that I am alot older having had the op I have arthritis in that knee.  One of the exercises the physio told me to do was (as BW says) to strengthen up the quad muscles.  This could possibly help you, but I would agree that you should see your doctor as it could be a number of things.  You are far too young to be suffering with this sort of problem, so hopefully you can get it sorted quickly.  Let us know how you get on.

[allotment_chick]

Hi Aqui - don't mess with your joints, girl!  Especially knees.  Get yourself off to the docs!  
AC

[aquilegia]

Right ok - sage advise taken. Will book doc's tomorrow.

My quads are quite strong already from all the horseriding. But I will have a go at the exercise. A few more muscles won't hurt me!

[eileen]

Hi Aqui,

Ask your Doc to send you for x-rays!!
I wish I had years ago. I've now got two artificial knees because of severe/chronic arthritis that started when I was only 21 (with the symptoms you're getting now.) I had to fight for them too as they considered me far too young to have the ops done. I don't want you to end up the same as me!!
I used to horseride lots when I was younger too and could have sworm my muscles and kneecaps were good and strong but alas they weren't.
Please make sure they check you over properly, don't be fobbed off, it's your right to have them investigate the matter fully.

OK, OK, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Let us know what happens won't you? Fingers x'd it's nothing too serious. Take care hon.

Eileen.

[aquilegia]

Thanks again Eileen - I will have my strong, determined head on when I go to the docs. I certainly don't want to have to give up riding.

I remember my earliest symptons at 17 - used to get really painful 'clutch' knee. Would occassionally seize up after I'd been sitting crossed legged. (I never do anymore). My mum and gran have a bit of arthritis. Don't know if these things are heriditary.

eek. scared now.

I will let you know as soon as I do...

[Garden Manager]

I too have knee trouble, inone knee in particular.  It first ocured about 2 years ago. I must have twisted it awkwardly in the garden. For a couple of weeks i could not walk properly and kneeling was almost out of the question (not good for a gardener  ::)).  It seemed to clear up of its own accord and never had any trouble until earlier this year when again must have moved awkwardly and set it off again. Same problems this time for about a week. I am certain its the kneecap not a muscle or tendon, and i reckon it becomes slightly dislocated.

Whilst it has occured a few times since, the problem has lasted decreasing lengths of time, most recently for only a few minutes before righting itself. Seems to happen whilst gardening when i perhaps move suddenly and twist the knee. Further ativities often cause it to right itself.

I know i should go to my doctor with it, but i have a feeling I will be told its just arthritis or something similar, and in any event something I will have to live with. On this basis I do not see the need to trouble the doctor with it (plus it would ruin my clean medical record - I havent needed to see a doctor for years  ;D)

[busy_lizzie]

My husband Mike can join the Club because he has had a very painfu right knee for two weeks now. This is a comes and goes problem too.  The problem first emerged when we went on holiday to Whitby last year - if you have ever been to Whitby you will know how hilly it is.  We both came back with achey legs but while mine gradually went away  his stayed with the emphasis on his right knee.

Gradually his swelled knee went down and he was okay again.  It has happened a couple more times with it always going away, but this time the pain is worse and he can't seem to get rid of it.  Like all men you have to force him to see a Doctor and because it doesn't seem to be getting any better I have eventually persuaded him to see a Doctor - he is going tomorrow. He is a miss at the allotment as he does the heavy work   :( busy_lizzie

[Granny_Smith]

Wow spooky or what - just opened up this posting and quess what the adverts at the top of the page were for :-

Hip Replacements and Arthritic Knees.

Is Dan trying to say something.

P.S sorry about your painful knee Aqui - hope it improves soon.

[Garden Manager]

As Victor Meldrew would say

"I dont beleeeive it!"  ;D

Yep I think ower dan IS trying to say something (lol)

[busy_lizzie]

Are the Top portions not from Google?  Their computer probably matches whatever is being discussed on the page.  Clever eh!  ;D busy_lizzie