Query to those of you with rheumatoid knee issues...

[Bon1]

Hi everyone

I’ve never had issues with my knee before, and now I don’t know if it’s a mechanical issue or the auto immune stuff. Rheumatology appointments, as I’m sure you all know only too well, are few and far between so at the moment I’m on my own!

I was just wondering whether stiffness and swelling are usually included with auto immune knee problems? I have neither but have pain on impact so running is totally out, and one spot on the outside of the right knee that is really sore if I poke it.

I’m wondering whether to throw phsysio money at it or whether that would be a waste of time.

Would be grateful to hear any of your knee experience!

Bon

X

[Deeb1764]

I asked my GP by letter as he was aware of RA, to get me in for xray both knees to see what was going on as have OA in both and wanted checked and all OA but now bone on bone. Maybe go that route requesting xray as a fast option and then go from there, I remember in my first consult re RA being told RA tends to be mainly in hands,, arms and feet than knees which tend to be more OA based. BUT this could be totally different to other Consultants views.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Deeb1764]

Same view exactly as my rheumy. I’d suggest too an X-ray first to ascertain if OA is there. I had an isotope bone scan first before any knee X-ray was done to diagnose. I am not sure if they do those now as it was 1995. They were looking for RA hotspots all over as my RA bloods were negative. It proved helpful and diagnostic. An X-ray is more accessible. x

[Bon1 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thanks NK. Now that my inflammation is restricted to small areas I feel like the hot spot search that you refer to would be a really good idea. If I ever get to see my consultant again I am going to request that.

[springcross]

I've had a problem with my left knee twice in eight weeks which has started on the outside of my left knee near the bottom in the area of the meniscus. The area is so very tender that I can hardly touch it but I've had stiffness and bad swelling with mine and a Baker's cyst both times. GP doesen't think it's RA related. When all the swelling goes down that area is the last to heal. It's most odd.

[Bon1 in reply to springcross]

Thanks SC. Hope yours clears up!!

[springcross in reply to Bon1]

Thanks Bon, yours too.

[Lolabridge]

I think Deeb’s suggestion is a good one. Try to get X-rays done. If you had a period of uncontrolled RA you could have developed OA in your knees, or any knee injuries in years gone by. Although you can have inflammation, swelling and pain in the knee joints from RA too. So it’s hard to know without X-rays or CT scans.

[Bon1 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks LB it seems there’s a lot of OA out there! Does the RA bring it in sooner I wonder? I always associated it with an older age range...

[Mmrr]

I have OA in my right knee diagnosed by X Ray several years ago. Since having RA my knee is now swollen, but I have minimal pain in it.

[Bon1 in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks Mmrr. OA seems rife in knees! The swelling must be annoying but at least no pain...would you ever consider/qualify for a knee replacement?

[helixhelix]

In the beginning when I flared my knees would swell and get squishy, became impossible to bend, and have to have fluid drained off them. Now it is OA that is the problem, and anything impactful hurts.

[Bon1 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks HH. This is why I am confused...I’m having no real trouble with stiffness. Do you find that even a few steps taken at a run hurt?

[StormySeas]

I have great sympathy with you!My problem was different - my knee was very swollen and I wrongly self- diagnosed (decided I had torn cartilage) and paid £200 for a private ortho-consultant. He took one look and said it was RA, not mechanical.

He was right. My knee was aspirated etc by the rheumatologist and the story ended well, but I'd be wary of self diagnosis in case it leads you down the wrong, and expensive path. I'd never had a knee issue before, and I don't think it occurred to me it could be RA,

Appreciate your knee problem might be different. I did need an MRI on mine (thankfully done on the NHS after 3 months).

Good luck though. Can you keep active without pain, or does it hurt when you walk too?

[rabbits65]

I don’t know how old you are but wear and tear in knee joints are very common. Firstly visit your GP if your lucky enough to get to see one!!! Secondly completely rest it for a few weeks and see if the joint settles down. I get bouts of knee pain , if I rest it it helps them gently increase the exercise. I have tenosynovitus in my joints to do with the tendons that wear out. You can get gentle exercises from the internet . You must do a certain amount of these to stop the joint completely stiffening up. It’s the doctors you need for advice and an X Ray done. Good luck . Getting older and worn out is “ no fun”

[Hidden]

My RA started in my knees, though I already had a small amount of OA in one. In my experience, rheumatologists are not very interested in knees (or feet) because other things can be wrong with them, which gives them an excuse to shunt you off to orthopaedics (or podiatry).

I now have more trouble in my knees, but rheumatology have nothing to offer. My GP sent me to an orthopaedic surgeon who sent me away to wait until they are bad enough for him to operate. Do not expect sympathy!