Swollen Knees Synovitis Update

[Prahran]

In June I asked for advice regarding if stiff and swollen knees were a part of my PMR. I received some good advice which has helped, i.e check calcium intake which I did, with a blood test and was told by GP to stop taking calcium supplement as my levels were too high. Soon after stopping, the stiffness, but not the swelling, in my knees improved greatly and I can bend them now without problem. My GP also booked me in for an MRI to see what was causing the swelling and the results received yesterday showed ruptured medial meniscus in both knees (probably due to years of playing squash). GP sent a referral to an orthopaedist, who replied that treatment with steroid injections could be carried out at my local clinic. Now my question is what does a steroid injection do? I don’t have any pain, just swollen knees. To summarise, I’m hesitant to have the injection when I don’t have pain, but perhaps the swelling is caused by inflammation and the injection will dampen it?

[jinasc]

I ran into problem with too much calcium, my Rheumy diagnosed Pseudo Gout and drained the fluid off whilst I was in his consulting room.

Then more calcium.

I wish they would check the mineral levels before they issue - just in cases.

[Broseley]

I was worried as my main PMR symptom was knee pain and stiffness. Research led me to query calcium, so I stopped it but it got worse. Now on pred and all knee problems have gone. But your post has reminded me about the calcium issue. Does vit K2 help prevent calcium crystallization in joints as well as in blood vessels?The steroid injection will treat the inflammation but not deal with the calcium crystals as far as I know.

[Prahran in reply to Broseley]

Thanks for the reply. I think I’m going to discuss with GP on Monday the benefit of an injection now that the stiffness has gone

[pegpowell]

I had swollen knees, just before or during early PMR diagnosis. My knees were drained twice within the year and steroid shots relieved the pain. They were probably caused by overuse when climbing Humbug Mountain. I eventually had one knee replaced as the kneecap was askew from a fall or two. That was in 2017. My other knee recovered but is quite delicate at the age of 83. Its hip now needs to be replaced.

[artfingers]

Well, I too am having swollen, painful knees mostly due to too much jogging and mountain hiking over the years and falls. I had both meniscus fixed but this year the issue flared up more. I now have been told I have a torn ACL and other torn ligaments in the left knee. Been seeing both my rheumy and orthopedic surgeon. At almost 70 years old (birthday in 3 weeks!) the ortho dr. would not do an ACL repair but rather said I would eventually need full knee replacement. I am doing physical therapy now, just got off a knee brace (now using if do alot of hiking which I am not) and I just got a Durolane injection two weeks ago inside the knee to add extra lubrication. Steroid shots didn't last but a few days each time. I haven't seen alot of difference with the Durolane. I can mask the symptoms if I up my pred quite a bit but since it isn't PMR related pain, and also I don't want to do that, I am sticking to my normal pred dose (currently 6 mg a day). What helped the most? I think strengthening the knees with help from a good physical therapist but who knows, maybe the Durolane is helping too. Oh and icing the knee helps too.