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Sever knee pain -- need advice

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Posted 3/29/2013 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
I  have prostate cancer and usually post there. But I have another major issue and, frankly, I don't know where to post this: so I'm posting on Chronic Pain, Osteo Arthritis, and this forum. Here is what I posted:

OK, I usually post in the Prostate Cancer(PC) Forum but I am getting very frustrated with a pain situation that is not related to my PC.

about 7 or so years ago, I had surgery on my right knee (two tears in the meniscus and smoothing out of arthritis). Anyway, it really improved matters and gave me my life back, basically, after a few years of pain.

Fast forward to March 9. I had a normal gym workout, which included about 6-8 laps on the treadmill. Soon after, my knees started hurting and the pain has gotten more severe since then. It hurts regardless of what I'm doing, whether lying down or sitting and of course walking is not easy. My family doctor 2 weeks ago said it was tendinitis, but I am not so sure, since it hurts all the time.

I am going to see a P/T this afternoon.

Any ideas what this could be? Does tendinitis act this way? We have not done any x-rays or other tests. I do have an appointment with an orthopedic guy in 2 weeks. I know this is not PC related since the pain is 100% bi-lateral and totally symmetric (same pain at any instant in both knees) and also occurred clearly as a result of the treadmill activity. Also, December bone scan (before this issue) was clear.

Update:

Saw the P/T. She says it could well be tendinitis. Or, I'm sure, it could be a return of arthritis found previously. But prior knee pain did not have this burning, inflamed feeling (in BOTH knees) when not standing/walking. Does this still sound like tendinitis or arthritis?

She is having me start with one simple muscle exercise and she put one of this electrically stimlated pain patches on each knee for awhile. I guess I'll also start taking ibuprofin (I am adverse to taking pain meds. but I guess I have no choice)

Mel
Posted 3/29/2013 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
The same amount of pain in both knees all the time seems odd to me-tendonitis or any soft tissue injury would normally affect one knee-or if both to an unequal degree.

However, everything else you said points to muscle or tendon-the estim pads would be what I would want in that case.
Heat or ice is good-which ever of those didn't make you cringe when you thought about it.
Posted 4/8/2013 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Have you ever tried a pain cream? I have one that I use and it's great. The formulation can be changed to meet your specific needs. The best part is that it is a local medication and doesn't go through your entire body. It's also fast acting and doesn't affect your kidneys or liver.
Posted 4/8/2013 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
twenty

What creme do you use?

Mel
Posted 5/31/2013 7:42 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Agree with the prior post that totally symmetrical tendonitis seems odd. Are your knees the only affected joints? Any pain in your hands or feet? Shoulders? Not saying that you have RA, but...have you had any blood work done? Xrays? or MRI? My knees were the worst of my RA symptoms by a long shot. Have you had a recent gastro-intestine infection? (There are certain types of reactive arthritis that can crop up after these). No recent (or past) tick exposure? I had Lyme a couple of years before I came down with RA...not sure if it's related or not. Likely not since I got treated right away and have had no symptoms for years.

I never had any luck with over the counter creams (and like you, I tried 'em all), but Prednisone was very helpful with the inflammation. Felt better within 2 days.

Good luck...I hope you find something works. If you are still having this pain, I'd ask for a referral to Rheumatology.
Posted 5/31/2013 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Howdy RN.

Things are about 60% better, which makes a world of difference. I still have very bad knees, but they no longer hurt 24/7 nor keep me up at night.

The MRI showed that much of my meniscus is gone, and there is also tendinosis, which is bad news (that's much worse than tendinitis and it does not really respond that well to anti-inflammatories).

No more treadmills for me, but I am able to do bike and elliptical cardio.

Doing P/T, but I don't think the exercises help much with the knees.

If it gets worse, my ortho guy will do a scope. I'm probably heading towards a TKR, but not for awhile.

Mel

Posted 5/31/2013 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Yikes. That sounds really painful. You're right, I doubt anti-inflammatories will help you much. My dad is heading for TKR as well, but from OA not RA, so he's kind of in the same boat as you. He's still getting around, but it's tough. He lost a bunch of weight and that seems to help.

TKR can really improve the quality of life for the recipient. Research your orthopod and hospital first, for sure. Results of hospital infections rates, complications are posted on by hospital and surgery now, making it easier for health care consumers to choose between facilities. You can also check your doctor out on various sites and see what others have to say who had the same procedure. Often they do both knees at once now. I thought that was odd when they first started doing that...I mean...talk about not a leg to stand on...but the patients seem to do pretty well with it.

I can do the elliptical now as well. It's not always pretty...but at least I can do it. One day at a time. I am sure that some day, I'll be joining you with the TKR, but for different reasons. LOL.

I am glad that you can get some sleep now anyhow. That in and of itself is helpful.

Stacey
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