What Causes Constant Pain In Right Knee?

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

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

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For five weeks now I have had increasing pain in my right knee, do not recall any injury. Saw Dr at the beginning (was there for another problem-bronchitis) and he said it was MCL inflammation. Told me to stop walking, which is what I do for exercise as I am overweight. Now, I'm having trouble walking, real trouble getting up and down from a sitting position. Can't take NSAIDS. I'm taking Tylenol ES for other arthritis pain as well as this, plus one to two Tramadol per day. Tried ice in the beginning, using heat now. Tried an ace wrap, which gave some relief but of course it doesn't stay in place. What should be my next step as I'm getting down over this constant pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis liekly.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From your symptoms it seems that your knee joint has undergone osteoarthritic changes. These are basically age related degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like knee and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Upon movement the stiffness gradually relives. Sometimes application of hot pads can make the movement possible.
The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin , dycerin, etc and some life style modifications and physiotherapy.
Right now you can continue taking the pain killers after breakfast and after dinner. It is suggested to add calcium supplements 500mg each twice daily. This will take care of your mild symptoms.
You can start with walking and aerobic fitness exercises, quadriceps strengthening, patellar tapping, lateral heel wedges, etc- under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
A Big No to Stair case, squatting postures, any chair which has a sitting platform lower than your knees.
Knee brace can also be used for an earlier and prolonged relief.
In severe cases intra articular injections of steroids and hyaluronic acid may be needed after consultation with your orthopaedician.
I also encourage you to consult an orthopedician for physical examination. A few blood tests, X-rays of the knee, CT / MRI scans of the knee will help us diagnose the condition and help us in choosing the best approach of treatment.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)

I realize with this form of communication you have no clue as to my history. I am an RN with ICU experience-not ortho experience. I know I have DJD, have had x-rays of knees, back, and hands. Have tried glucosamine chondroitin for three months without any positive effect. Can't take calcium-Stage III renal disease with high calcium. I take Tylenol ES 3-4 times a day right now just to make it through the day. My PCM gives me a limited amount of Tramadol which I take twice a day. I have info as to exercises to do to strengthen the knee joint, but these exercises are impossible to do when the pain is as acute as it is now. Seeing a specialist in the health care system I am in-military healthcare-will take a month or more following approval. I was looking for options from you to carry me through until that happens. Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
mRI scan needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
This needs an mRI scan to find out the exact problem with your knee. Till then you can use an elastic knee brace to give comfort to the knee. Local steroid injections can also help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

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