What now? Knee pain.

[Lochy]

I have complained a few times of pains in my knees so did get X-rays done. Signs of sclerosis and effusion which I think is interpretation of radiographer and my GP says that means there is swelling. Bones and joints looking normal if that’s any consolation!

That was two weeks ago but my left knee is very uncomfortable feeling tight, swollen (not markedly) and my osteopath says feels hot. I get pains down my shin and also around the inside of my knee as if the blood flow is constricted. Have discussed with GP and requested an urgent referral to rheumatology. GP feels there must be some other inflammatory thing going on and wants it checked out. Unfortunately the urgent referral can take up to 12 weeks!

I’m trying to see a rheumatologist privately but even her clinic seems to be full! Will pursue that. In the meantime I’ve been taking some naproxen and paracetamol occasionally. Does seem to help. Otherwise I feel pretty good and am reluctant to increase from the 10mg I’ve managed to stabilise on recently.

The question is, am I being silly not increasing my prednisolone dose? What else can it be and what should I do?

I know it’s a bit of a general question but I’m pretty down with this knee pain as the one thing I have been able to do since my diagnosis 2.5 years ago is walk! I don’t go for miles but I get out every day. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[piglette]

If naproxen helps it is highly likely you have something that is not PMR as well. Out of interest do you take statins as they can cause the sort of pain you mention.

[Lochy in reply to piglette]

No not on statins. Part of me believes some of my knee issues are age related and the fact that I ‘was’ very active in my past life 😁

However this feels different hence my chasing rheumatology for a more scientific assessment 🤞🤞

[nickm001]

Sounds like something not directly related to PMR, although PMR can cause muscle weakness and that can result in knee pain. If you didn't have PMR, you probably would be looking for orthopedic specialist for help. If I were you, that is where I would be seeking help.

[Lochy in reply to nickm001]

Hi there, my husband is involved in the orthopaedic world not in a medical capacity and he has spoken to some surgeons for advice. On describing my diagnosis and my symptoms they all say I’m better off in rheumatology! I had originally thought it might be worth going down that route too but apparently not.......or not yet!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Swelling? An effusion is fluid accumulation (it does CAUSE swelling) and there is a reason for too much fluid- you do need some. The sclerosis is possibly early stages of OA.

This is a good article explaining it and things that might help in the meantime (Healthline is pretty reliable)

healthline.com/health/water...

Have you been doing any of the activities? Wrestling maybe?

[Lochy]

Part of me wishes I had been doing something like Wrestling!! Quite exciting if only I could 😂

This is definitely an unusual ‘feeling’ in my knee and I appreciate it may be early signs of OA but nothing like any knee discomfort I had in my active youthful pre PMR days. Does PMR attack any areas of weakness we had from old injuries or wear and tear sites?

I’ve managed to get a cancellation for a private rheumatologist tomorrow so will see if she has any good ideas. Will let you all know.

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lochy]

I think PMR flies to the already weakened spots yes - I doubt there is any proper proof, just the feeling that lots of people have.

I had a sharp pain in my right knee when weight bearing a few months ago, it went on for weeks until I thought maybe an x-ray was a good idea to see if the OA a rheumatologist claimed was there 14 years ago was worse. No sign of OA or anything else - and within a few days it had disappeared! I was quite impressed with the curative powers of an x-ray.

Do put us out of our suspense!

[Lochy in reply to PMRpro]

Ha! Yes I will. The thrills and spills of this malarkey keep us going. Thank god I’ve not lost my sense of humour ....yet 😂

[Hidden]

So pleased you’ve got a cancellation, let us know later how you get on. I have knee issues so can sympathise with your pain!

Mrs N x

[Lochy in reply to Hidden]

I certainly will, although I never raise my hopes going to these appointments but where else do you turn?

[Lochy]

Well I had a positive rheumatology appointment on Tuesday. She removed fluid from my painful knee and gave me a steroid injection and almost instant relief. The fluid has been sent for testing to see what is causing my problem. Hopefully there might be some answers. Again I seem to be presenting with 'not the norm' symptoms - that's assuming we know what they are! I'm hoping the relief will be lasting and I can continue my tapering again.

Thanks for all your comments.