Guest guest Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 , I can relate to you and to your sharp pain in your the left knee. Been there, done that. A key questions is whether or not you have any other rheumatic symptoms, such as bilateral pain in other major joints, such as hips and shoulders. If the answer is yes, see a rheumatologist to start a long-term treatment program. If the answer is no, you probably have an internal joint injury (which is likely), such as a meniscal tear. You should get that diagnosed without delay by means of an MRI. Again see a doctor and get a referral to a specialist for the primary purpose of getting an MRI. If an injury is found, the fix will be outpatient arthroscopic surgery by means of three small holes through your skin. You will be about and walking that same day. Your insurance at Iowa State should cover the procedure. I underwent similar major pain in my left knee starting with a Baker cyst (one of the symptoms of internal injury). My knee swelled and had to be drained three times. The third time, my rheumatologist suspected an injury and sent me for MRI. I was totally surprised when the MRI found a " major meniscal tear " -- even though my knee had never undergone any external injury. My procedure took place on July 29 and worked wonders. I will be pleased to share more. Please email me privately, and let's talk by phone if you wish. Sincerely, Harald At 03:00 PM 11/11/2005 -0600, you wrote: >Hello, > I would appreciate any thoughts from you. When I try to stand or > walk, I frequently have a very severe pain behind my left knee, mostly > confined to this area. I have to hobble to get to a chair with > considerable pain although sometimes if I stand long enough, I can > proceed to walk >although haltingly. This particular pain is intermittent and only upon >standing. > > I had cortisone injections in it more than a yr. ago. But this pain > is different, sharper and more sudden. > > Any ideas about what might cause this? I no longer have a Baker's > cyst, but did have a DVT in the same leg 2.5 yrs. ago. Can you recommend > anything I can do? Braces? Potions? An appointment is a long way off. > >Thanks!!! >Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2005 Report Share Posted November 11, 2005 I am shocked to read that a Baker cyst is an indicator of internal injury. I had that on both knees but the doctor I went to said it was just one of those things and would probably go away. Both did, but I've had major pain since. I've also been told by a new doctor that both knees have been totally destroyed by the RA. In fact she said that the xrays of my knees were classic examples of what RA can do to joints. Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 i dont know what all your symptoms are like (skin etc), so this may be a lark... but fatigue, brainfog and knee stuff fits into the lymes disease catagory like a glove. especially concerning for folks if they dont have other joints involved, or have psoriatic arthitis without skin involvement. of course too, nothing says a person cant have both. just something else to consider... maybe mention to your doc(?)when you said " knee " it just made me think of it... thats where lymes like to hit. hth cfsguy > > For the last month, my right knee has been in such pain, > Just wondering if anyone out there has had knee issues similar to this that went away? I had tremendous swelling in my other knee Any input would be SO appreciated. > > Hugs, in Poulsbo, Wa. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2006 Report Share Posted June 24, 2006 I have had lots of experience with muscle spasms and tightness associated with joint pain. I did physical therapy for years before one of the PTs told me that your muscles naturally tighten up to protect your joint from moving when something's wrong with it. Sometimes the muscle spasm is more noticeable than the actual joint pain. I had the worst problems with my back when the PTs were trying to " mobilize " or move all the joints in my spine; my muscles would clamp down and then spasm. Finally, a PT who wasn't treating my back told me to stop the physical therapy, that it was probably better to just let my joints stiffen up than to go through the muscle spasms. (Basically, unless I wanted to live on muscle- relaxers, my muscles weren't going to allow my spine to be mobilized). I had spasms in my calves associated with ankle and foot pain. Someone told me to try calcium supplements, too, in addition to banana (potassium). The calcium helped me a lot. Also, stretching everyday is a great help. Hope that's helpful, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2006 Report Share Posted June 24, 2006 Ah-ha...that helped me ALOT. Thanks ! There's a part of the back of my knees that hurt...the long things on the outsides of the back of my knees. It's not bone...has to be cartiledge. I have cramps in my legs sometimes too. I know you were answering someone elses questions and it answered some of mine too. It make sense to me now. -Betz Betsy Jack itsbetsy@... [ ] Re: Knee Pain I have had lots of experience with muscle spasms and tightness associated with joint pain. I did physical therapy for years before one of the PTs told me that your muscles naturally tighten up to protect your joint from moving when something's wrong with it. Sometimes the muscle spasm is more noticeable than the actual joint pain. I had the worst problems with my back when the PTs were trying to " mobilize " or move all the joints in my spine; my muscles would clamp down and then spasm. Finally, a PT who wasn't treating my back told me to stop the physical therapy, that it was probably better to just let my joints stiffen up than to go through the muscle spasms. (Basically, unless I wanted to live on muscle- relaxers, my muscles weren't going to allow my spine to be mobilized). I had spasms in my calves associated with ankle and foot pain. Someone told me to try calcium supplements, too, in addition to banana (potassium). The calcium helped me a lot. Also, stretching everyday is a great help. Hope that's helpful, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 , A year ago at this time I could not even walk. My knees hurt me so bad but also my legs. I have besides PA in feet and legs also nueropathy too. My legs were so tighten up i screamed almost to get up. I went to a bone doctor and he gave me three shots one in a knee once a week from a roosters comb and it hurt going in but sure got me up and about. I was walking in a walker. he also gave me a muscle relaxer called SOma and that pill really helped to. From the pain of the knee or bone then the muscles and tendons work harder and then we really are in pain. I am so tight now it hurts so bad. I also have it really bad in my neck and spine and back so I am all tied up and in pain. Just telling you how the shots call styvits or something like that help my knee and Soma relaxed my muscles. Hope this helps. Blessings, Zoella " The only people to get even with are those who have helped you. " --------------------------- gets better. Check out the new email design. Plus theres much more to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 In a message dated 6/24/2006 5:40:17 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, lsgribko@... writes: I did physical therapy for years before one of the PTs told me that your muscles naturally tighten up to protect your joint from moving when something's wrong with it One PT solution to this is a TENS unit, which causes your muscles to tighten up even more; when the unit is turned off, the muscles relax because the stimulus is gone...I have found that to be a lifesaver during a flare involving my cervical and lumbar spine...my insurance covered a home TENS unit; I love having a non medication solution (TENS can solve for what muscle relaxers do, depending on where the muscles are). Anything to avoid yet another pill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 27, 2006 Report Share Posted June 27, 2006 , I did stretch finally. Did the basic stretch where you put your arms on the wall, and one foot behind and one closer to the wall. It truly helped a lot. My leg muscles felt so tight, I had to try this. The muscle relaxants did a wonderful job of erasing the pain. Amazing to me that I did this out of instinct and a desperate need for some sleep! Will be having a LONG chat with my rheumy about this. They led me down a wrong path and tried to tell me I tore something. Spoke with my nurse/daughter this past weekend and she was really upset. She described my problem, had names for the symptoms,etc. and was also surprised at this very common RA/PA problem being so " put off " . Also the fact that my pain was so extreme and the doctor did not offer any resolution. Now I am back to normal, but it would have been such a blessing to have some pain relief during the worst of the flair, and some information about this being part and parcel of the myriad of symptoms we can have. Thank you all for the terrific information. It is so appreciated. Hugs, in WA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 Hi all, My knees hurt if I walk on them too much, or bend them more than 45 degreees too much. Left worse than right. Hurts in the soft area to the right of my left one. Plain knee xrays 4 months ago were normal. Since my knees aren't red or swollen should I put heat or ice on them? My rheum offered to give me a shot in one but I am leery of that. thanks, Debbie L fibro, OA, DJD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 Hi I will pray for you...I am where you are..I have had arthroscopic surgery done on right knee..was told would need replacement soon but am too young..I will be 44 next month..I have that separating feeling in my knee and it is very painful..I had it injected last month and has already worn off..I hope you get relief soon..My prayers are with you.. Vickey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear about your knee pain. I understand exactly how you feel. I suggest you call your rheumy and let them know because it could be something serious. Back before I was diagnosed with PsA i had dislocated my knee cap just getting into my car. I was in an immobilizer for weeks and then went through months of physical therapy and it still didn't get better, it kept dislocating on it's own. Eventually both of my knee caps did this (at the same time, non the less) and I had to have surgery to correct the problem. When my rheumy diagnosed me with PsA I asked him if that could have had an impact on my knees and he said it's possible that the PsA was causing fluid buildup around my knee which could have caused the knee caps to dislocate. Anyway, moral of my story is don't mess around with this, if it doesn't improve call your doctor! Hope you feel better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 Dear Knee Pain, I can really feel for you, since I’m basically in the same shape and need both knees replaced now. My knee surgeon was all ready to operate until he found out I was on Arava. I guess in the past year he had two patients go bad who were on the same arthritis drugs I take. One passed away due to an infection they couldn’t’ stop and the other one lost her leg. Now he won’t operate on anyone who has been on autoimmune suppressants at all. I’ve been given the name of a high-risk surgeon since all this happened I also have developed COPD and diabetes. I’m like you and want to get them fixed since I’m basically confined to a powerchair these days. But I also don’t want to pass away after a big surgery either. I’m hoping as soon as I see the special surgeon I’ll have more information and be able to make at least an educated decision. I’ve had to put off seeing him since my other problems came up and simply haven’t been able to make it to his office. I’m hoping I can see him next month and finally get some answers. I know I’m looking at rehab after the surgery, and I’m hoping it’s only for a few weeks. My family doctor said it could up to 6 to 8 weeks, but I’m hoping I’ll heal faster than that. No surgery is ever an easy decision, but gather all the info you can on your doctor and the procedure to find out if it’s what you really want to do. Visit the hospital you will be going to as well. Most good knee surgeons have a ward set up just for that type of surgery, and everyone knows what is supposed to be done. I hope for the best for you and most people I’ve talked to have only had positive things to say about the surgery. So hopefully we will both fall into that category when we get it done. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Take care, Fran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 I've been on DMARDs and biologics for the last 5 years and I had a TKR (total knee replaceement) one year ago. I have RA, PsA, OA and cardiac and pulmonary complications from RA, so I guess you could say I was a high risk patient. The decision to have unilateral TKR was made due to possible complications due to my past medical history. Even with the past history I think my decision would have been to have only one knee done at a time. I wanted the optimum range of motion from my knee and I knew that I wouldn't achieve that if I had bilateral knees done. By the way I had a total knee and it only took 55 minutes to replace. My surgeon uses laser assisted placement and does 8 knees a week. It is the only orthopedic surgery he does. I spent 3 days in the hospital post op and was sent home with home health care nurse visit each day for a week and physical therapy several times a week for a month. I stopped MTX, Sulfasalazine, Remicade 3 weeks prior to surgery and restarted meds 2 weeks post op. 2 weeks post op my PT showed me how to get in and out of our truck and I went shopping. I used a scooter, but at least I was out of the house. Six weeks post op I golfed 9 holes. This was the first time in 4 years that I had been able to golf. After my 6 week post op appointment I was able to drive with no pain or grinding of my knee when I used the clutch. I personally feel that your chances of getting an infection are small and it depends more on the infection rate of the surgeon and the hospital. Ask the infection control department at the hospital what the infections rates are. When I was in my orthopods office it was full of patients who had had TKR because that is all he does. I talked extensively with his patients and was very happy with what they told me. If you can, talk with your doctor's patients, they'll tell you the truth and then some. Good luck. Lindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 Fran and others, When on immune suppressant drugs, they typically ask that you stop them a week in advance of the surgery and skip a dose a week after surgery. The skipping of the doses is intended to avoid infection and it also promotes healing. I was on Humira (1x/wk) and arava (5 pills a week) prior to my joint replacement surgeries. I also had to stop my Coumidin (blood thinner) a week before and get my blood re-tested prior to the surgery to ensure my blood wasn't too thin. The Coumidin, along with heparin shots starts back right after surgery. They may even give heparin shots to people not on blood thinners as a preventive measure since you can get blood clots from joint replacement surgery. As for rehab, I was at rehab for 10 days after my hip replacement and 7 days when I had both knees done. Prior to rehab, I spent 3 days in the hospital. For joint replacements, 7-10 days is common, unless there are reasons you may need more. Reasons included being over-weight, age, and not having assistance when returning home. You're right about researching your doctor and hospital. I also encourage you to research the rehap hospital. I've seen my mother get rehabed at a nursing home that has physical therapy and it was not nearly as extensive. I went to one in NY that had about 30 therapists on a wing that only dealt with joint replacements. We did therapy 4 times a day - 1 individual PT, 1 individual occupational, 1 group PT and 1 group occupational. Within days, they had me walking flights of stairs, getting in and out of cars, navigating curbs, getting on and off toilets, in and out of tubs, making beds, cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry etc. It was grueling and perfect, as it really helped me transition back. Physical therapy is very important after knee replacement as you have to bend and straighten your knee right away. That's the hard part! Let me know if you have questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 ahampton002, You are in my thoughts and prayers. -Eileen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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