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!
I highly suspect he is talking osteoarthritis which is the most common one that millions of people get. Age really has no meaning because people as young as early 30's can have it. Drs tend to us it's "arthritis" in a situation like this. It's the loss of cushion that can cause the pain. Lab test are not used to detect/diagnose OA.
Typical treatment is hot/cold packs & something OTC. If that doesn't help, there is a steroid injection into the joint, a series of injections such as Synvisc is another option after a steroid injection. Your exercise routine is perfect for arthritis provided your knee does not buckle!
Just my thoughts, since your knee buckles & then the pain hits, this may not all be osteoarthritis related. You could very well have another issue besides OA. I would go back to my GP & ask for an MRI of the knee. Depending on the results, I would go from there. I only see orthos that deal with knee problems only.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
Typical treatment is hot/cold packs & something OTC. If that doesn't help, there is a steroid injection into the joint, a series of injections such as Synvisc is another option after a steroid injection. Your exercise routine is perfect for arthritis provided your knee does not buckle!
Just my thoughts, since your knee buckles & then the pain hits, this may not all be osteoarthritis related. You could very well have another issue besides OA. I would go back to my GP & ask for an MRI of the knee. Depending on the results, I would go from there. I only see orthos that deal with knee problems only.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
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.
Lynnwood, Dx: 2000, Found HW 2005, HW Lupus/Sjogren's Moderator May 2006-May 2018
DIAGNOSING LUPUS & HW's LUPUS 101
"Life is far too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
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.
Lynnwood, Dx: 2000, Found HW 2005, HW Lupus/Sjogren's Moderator May 2006-May 2018
DIAGNOSING LUPUS & HW's LUPUS 101
"Life is far too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
It stinks when our drs retire or move. My GP is young enough that he will out live me. I now have a much younger cardiologist that I see in the group I've been with almost 40 yrs, lol. Same with my pulmonary. I have to admit, I am happy with these guys because they are much more up to date on medicines/treatments than my old stodgy ones. Never thought I would say that either.
I hope the steroid shot will give you some relief. Is your knee swelling? Did he say it's mild, moderate or what OA? Given as much trouble that you are having, I would push for an MRI. Consider calling his nurse & see if he will agree to doing this prior to the Monovisc. My knee problems date back to the late 80's, I've had 4 scopes on my left knee & 1 on the right for a partial tear of the ACL.
I had Supartz injections done in 06 after having both knees scoped. It was a series of 3 injections. They did not help me, but keep in mind everyone is different. I've heard some say they helped. There are several of these meds now, they are all the same, just have a different name.
Yes, bicycle riding is what they recommend. It strengthens the quad muscles & the knee without causing damage. I hated riding the stationary bikes with a passion. I bought one at the drs recommendation & hung clothes on it, lol. I finally gave it away to a neighbor. PT was heat/cold packs & leg weight lifting & other exercises.
Another thought, go by Walmart or a drug store & buy one of those elastic sleeve type knee braces. They are not expensive & may give you some support.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
I hope the steroid shot will give you some relief. Is your knee swelling? Did he say it's mild, moderate or what OA? Given as much trouble that you are having, I would push for an MRI. Consider calling his nurse & see if he will agree to doing this prior to the Monovisc. My knee problems date back to the late 80's, I've had 4 scopes on my left knee & 1 on the right for a partial tear of the ACL.
I had Supartz injections done in 06 after having both knees scoped. It was a series of 3 injections. They did not help me, but keep in mind everyone is different. I've heard some say they helped. There are several of these meds now, they are all the same, just have a different name.
Yes, bicycle riding is what they recommend. It strengthens the quad muscles & the knee without causing damage. I hated riding the stationary bikes with a passion. I bought one at the drs recommendation & hung clothes on it, lol. I finally gave it away to a neighbor. PT was heat/cold packs & leg weight lifting & other exercises.
Another thought, go by Walmart or a drug store & buy one of those elastic sleeve type knee braces. They are not expensive & may give you some support.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
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.
Lynnwood, Dx: 2000, Found HW 2005, HW Lupus/Sjogren's Moderator May 2006-May 2018
DIAGNOSING LUPUS & HW's LUPUS 101
"Life is far too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
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.
Lynnwood, Dx: 2000, Found HW 2005, HW Lupus/Sjogren's Moderator May 2006-May 2018
DIAGNOSING LUPUS & HW's LUPUS 101
"Life is far too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
That's a great response to the injection! Hopefully you will get a lot of mileage out of it too. I think it would be beneficial for you to know the extent of OA in your knee.
I hope you will come back after all of these appts & share what you have learned.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
I hope you will come back after all of these appts & share what you have learned.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
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???!!
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)
What a joke! Like you, I've done my fair share of PT, massages & personal ones & never walked down stairs to have it done, lol. They are burning the essential oils trying to cover up the stench of the place. I would be willing to bet you are't the first one that walked out. Her explanation of pro athletes being sweaty was crazy. The gal seems to have her speech down pretty good, I suspect she has given it many times before.
Good luck next week, at least you know it will be a clean facility. I would consider seeing if they are listed with the BBB.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
Good luck next week, at least you know it will be a clean facility. I would consider seeing if they are listed with the BBB.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums