Suggest Remedies For Pain And Inflammation In Knees

Posted on Mon, 12 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 Answered on

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I've been diagnosed with inflammation of the knees: the left one has a pain level of 10 when I put weight on it and the right one a 2. No pain while sitting or lying down. Last Thursday my doctor gave me a cortisone shot in each knee, and by Friday the pain had dropped to 5 and 1. By Saturday afternoon the pain levels were back, 10 and 2. I have R.A. in my hands and it is under control with Sulfasalizine. I am also taking 30 mg of predisone per day, 20 of which was for R.A. and 10 was added last Thursday for the knees. Also for R.A. I am taking 400 mg per day of Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). The R.A. meds have had no effect on the knees. I am taking 300 mg of Gabapentin for a minor back pain.
At dinnner Saturday and Sunday (yesterday) I took 2 100 mg pills of Motrin, with no effect.
I must use a walker in order to put any weight on the left knee. I have an ice pack which I have used about once a day, with no effect, Any treatment recommendation would be welcomed.
XXXXXXX May 21 1937 XXXXXXX Va 000-000-0000 YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need Methotrexate drug. Also upload Xray

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

I can understand the pain and difficulty you are suffering.

Rheumatoid arthritis is quite a disabling condition to deal with.

Ideally along with Sulfasalazine and HCQs, it's best to start Methotrexate as well. This will drastically bring down the symptoms. I suggest you consult with your Rheumatologist in this regard.

If an Xray demonstrates severe joint destruction, a knee joint replacement may be required. Kindly upload your Xray if possible.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (30 minutes later)

Thank you. I will consult my rheumatologist. My Ortho doctor saw the xray and says surgery is not indicated-I have plenty of cartlilage.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
That's good news. Do follow the advice and necessary precautions to reduce the chances of arthritis.

Do follow up with me once your Rheumatologist has seen you.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad