What Causes Feeling Constricted On The Inside Of My Left Elbow And Knee?

Posted on Fri, 4 Apr 2014

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

Fri, 4 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am experiencing a constricted feeling on the inside of my left elbow and on the inside of my left knee. It almost feels like a rubber band is around that part of my arm or leg. I am a 53 y/o female who was formerly very active, however has had a year long period with very little activity as I was recovering from a traumatic head trauma sustained Nov 2012. I began to recover energy and balance in December 2013 and have started walking 4-5x weekly in an effort to regain my health. I began to experience this constricted feeling in January of this year. I have an appointment with my doctor in May, but is this something that I should discuss with him sooner?

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

Brief Answer: Can wait till may. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The description of your symptoms appear to be due to degenerative changes in the joints or decrease in joint lubricants. This should slowly subside with hot fomentation, proper relaxation and regular exercises to improve mobility of the joint. You can also start taking joint lubricant supplements like dycerin or glucosamine sulfate after consulting your physician. In case, It does not subside on its own or it is associated with severe pain, and swelling around the joint then it needs an earlier examination and prescription medicines. Otherwise you can wait till your scheduled appointment in may. 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. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (9 hours later)

Thank you for your prompt reply. There are some things I thought of afterwards that I should have included in my initial report. First, I was told by my chiropractor that the accident also gave me a very bad case of whiplash in my neck. This was not treated until recently, when I started to have a great deal of pain in my neck, and radiating down into my shoulders, my back, the back of my arms on both sides and also my head. With treatment I am starting to regain mobility in my neck but we are still working on it. Finally, I was comparing my right leg to the left leg last night after I submitted my first questions to see if I could see a difference, and I noticed that my left calf and ankle is slightly larger than the right. It is the left leg that is experiencing the feeling of a rubber band at the knee. Does this change your initial assessment, or do you still feel I can wait for my May appointment to see my regular physician? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: Can wait. Detailed Answer: Hello. Thanks for writing again. The mild difference in the size can be due to mild inflammation. This is not worrisome and can wait till your appointment. The pain in the neck may need an earlier attention in case there is any decrease in the muscle strength or there is an acute pain. Hope my answer is helpful. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T