Suggest Treatment For Sharp Pain In The Left Knee

Posted on Fri, 25 Nov 2016

Question: My left knee hurts, generally stiff during the day but occasionally experience a sharp pain. Could this be RA? I'm female, age 64, work-out with weights and generally fit with a BMI of 20.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Other causes apart RA to rule out first as following...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.

I am glad to know that you are keeping fit at your age (64 years old) with a BMI of 20.

Before admitting that RA is causing your left knee to hurt, I want to rule out other possible causes like:
- trauma: as you mention to work-out with weights, do you remember to have exceeded the weight beyond normal recently?
- do you remember to have sprain the knee joint recently prior to starting the pain?
- do you have personal history of RA?
- for how long does this pain go on?

If you noticed recently, and no changes are noted in your knee joint (no swelling, no redness); then I advise to apply alternating warm and cold compresses. Especially, after your finish your work-out with weights, please apply cold compresses on your knee joint.

Apart MSM, I advise to apply anti-inflammatory gel locally containing ibuprofen or ketoprofen.

Taking oral pain killers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen, or naproxen) can help ease the pain.

Looking forward to have the requested information in for a more specific guidance.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Since I have no history of RA and the pain has existed for only the last month with no prior trauma to the knee, I will try applying anti-inflammatory gel locally containing ibuprofen or ketoprofen. Is there a specific product I should look for? Also should this remedy replace or supplement my current usage of MSM cream?

I will also reduce the amount of weight lifted when doing lunges and squats as I read elsewhere that this may be putting too much pressure on my knees.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answers to your questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Ok, try those remedies and let me know if you feel better. I'm sure you will.

No specific product, just ask for ibuprofen cream or gel first.
That will reduce inflammation, can use alternating msm cream with ibuprofen cream/gel.

It'll be great if you try to reduce the amount of weight you lift during work out.

Hope this answers your questions. Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (24 hours later)

Today, I reduced the weight I lift during work out to 50lbs and will start the ibuprofen cream or gel treatment, alternating with the MSM cream.

I'll let you know if either of these remedies help reduce the pain. Should I close the discussion now or wait until I see improvement?

Thanks for your follow-up.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wish fast recovery...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

I'm happy that these remedies work to reduce pain.

Continue using them for at least 5 consecutive days and let me know how it goes. I'm sure you'll be pain free by then.

It's better to close this discussion now, as it will be automatically closed. You can reopen it anytime you want to send me your feedbacks. If you choose to close it now, please give your positive feedback if you are satisfied with my answer.

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Hope these answers to your questions. Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar