Fluid on the knee.

[whizz]

Hi, I'm new here, I hope that I can glean some info. regarding my knee injury. I am a male in my sixties, I used to do lots of long distance running and hiking. Last year I noticed swelling on my right knee cap, and a gristle sound when climbing stairs. At first there was no pain, then gradually the pain started. It can be around the front or the back of the knee. I went to my GP, they refered me to a physio who suggested an orthotic insole to correct bad knee alignment. The GP and the physio said that it didn't need surgery, but it is not responding, I'm walking two or three miles a day to work and back, and on a week end manage a four mile walk. Has any one experience of this problem, and can it be treated?

[Heidi]

Hi,

It sounds to me that you may have a case of patello-femoral pain, which is a loose term used to descibe pain around the knee cap (although this can radiate around the knee). Sometimes referred to as Patello-femoral joint syndrome or anterior knee pain.

Are there any tender points to touch? Does it ever feel unstable or like it might give way?

There are many things which can cause Patello-femoral pain and so it can be difficult to find the cause of your pain and so I would advise trying a second physio or sports therapist who may be more helpful! The orthotics you were prescribed may well be beneficial, but not on their own....chances are you need other forms of treatment in combination.

Have a look at http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/indexcmp.php for more information

Heidi

[whizz]

Thanks Heidi I will. I can still walk as fast as normal, but in pain. Sometimes I cant bend my knee to take my shoe off.