Shooting/Stabbing Knee Pain

So two days ago my knee started buckling underneath me, almost causing me to fall. This is accompanied by an intense shooting/stabbing knee pain. I visited my orthopedist, and all he had to say (after an Xray) was that it was arthritis and to take ibuprofen and ice it.

He didn't run any bloods tests to verify arthritis, didn't prescribe any PT, did offer a $180 brace which I declined.

What *is* arthritis, anyway? Just the word they use for inflammation and pain around a joint? Is what he told me the only treatment?

I'm only 61, I still work out 3x weekly with weights for about an hour, have a weekly Pilates class, and walk/run the other days. Shooting/stabbing pain in my knee with every step is just not acceptable.

Thanks so much!

Well, I can't really say the bucking occurs BEFORE the pain - they are too close to say one is before/after the other.

Unfortunately, my GP/PCP retired earlier in 2019 and I have not yet replaced her. The ortho I saw is supposed to be a knee and sports medicine guy. I don't think I would have chosen him, but he's the current best choice at a practice I have a history with -- the Dr I was seeing a few years ago there for hip bursitis was much better but he moved! (Not having good results with Drs this year, also had a dentist retire and a chiropractor move!)

The knee has gotten more symptomatic - it is not only buckling underneath me, but now it has shooting pains up/down in the core of the leg when it buckles. And sometimes just the sharp (7-8 level) pain, no buckling. It now has another fun symptom -- it freezes in a partly bent position, with shooting pain up/down the outside of the leg, like a super serious cramp, it I try to move it. Pain level of an 8 or 9!!! If I wait 30-45 minutes the spasm or whatever it is eventually stops. Of course, this has only happened when I've gotten up to go somewhere - like an appointment - when I don't have 30-45 minutes to spare.

I saw him for a follow-up today. He did a cortisone shot and recommended we do the visco-supplementation in 3-4 weeks if I don't start getting some relief. The Synvisc is one brand of that, he uses Monovisc, a different brand. Has anyone had one of these shots and if so, what kind of results did you experience?

I also am thinking of stopping by a Physical Therapist I've used in the past to see what their evaluation shows. I grabbed a copy of the xrays so maybe they can help me figure out what exercise I can do. I've got a 5K on March 7th and a 10K on July 4th, people! Things to do and places to be! And of course this is my left knee and I need it for my clutch (stick shift).

I asked what cardio exercise I could do - he said bicycling. Seems to me that moves the knee just ask much, or more, than running. Ugh. Suggestions of all kinds welcome.

Yesterday's steroid shot seems to have helped a *great* deal, unlike the one 2 weeks ago. Very pleased!

I've not had any swelling at all.

Yes, I got a drug store neoprene knee brace, and also have a cane I've been using. Today it's so much better I visited the grocery store using neither - drove using clutch, moved slowly, and was very careful not to lead with that knee on curbs and steps.

Silly Dr isn't saying anything other than "Arthritis" -- I got a copy of xrays in preparation for getting a second opinion. So no idea on what he thinks the severity is. I don't care for his bedside manner. He's young, with pretty blue eyes and a nice smile, and dare I say he's used to using those on patients in the absence of providing real usable information.

I've had a stationary bike in my home before, not my favorite. Irritates my back, neck and shoulders. This morning I've read that an elliptical is also used for runners with knee injuries. I much prefer that, and my gym has several.

I have a sports massage scheduled for Friday -- a place that does professional athletes -- never been to them before so quite interested in what they might suggest. I also was able to get an appointment with my previous Physical Therapist for Tuesday. Hopefully she can help me with an overall game plan.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Well, the Sport Massage place was a joke. I've been getting massage, either sports or for relaxation, in this large metro area for 30+ years. This was a new place, mostly because it's closer to me. Website and all materials made it sound very professional, treats several pro teams in the area, etc.

Walked in to the reception area (down a flight of stairs, bad for a knee issue) and was immediately overwhelmed by an air freshener or something? scent. Was sitting there with my sweat jacket held over my nose/mouth when the massage therapist came out.

She proceeded to indignantly and self-righteously inform me that they massaged "PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES" (her emphasis) and they BURNED essential oils because Professional Athletes had sweat that smelled and it was all they could do.

Who sweats during a massage? Generally professional massage therapists ask you to shower before you come. Even if sweat is present, healthy sweat doesn't smell (unless it's on stuff and starts growing microbes and who-knows-what). Sweat can be CLEANED with common products, like bleach and other sterilizing agents, it's not REQUIRED to COVER the smell with obnoxious burning oils.

Thankful she offered that they couldn't help me, as even the reception area didn't look all that clean and tidy.
Next up, PT Tuesday with someone I've used before. Meanwhile, icing 3x daily and rest and seems to be getting better. Will try the elliptical Monday, as I've read it's used to rehab runner's with knee injuries.

PS. And really creepy, an hour later she texted saying ALL the massage professionals she talked with burned oils and that I should try an online site that sends people to your home. Like I want a stranger to touch me while I'm naked in my home???!!

Post Edited (Lynnwood) : 1/4/2020 2:47:40 PM (GMT-7)