[28F] Experiencing knee pain after increased physical activity

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports a sharp pain in the soft area to the left of the patella on her right knee, rating the pain as 3 out of 10 when pressed and 8 out of 10 when descending stairs. The pain began suddenly and has been present for one day. The patient has been walking approximately twice as much as usual and using stairs three times more frequently. There is no associated swelling, redness, instability, locking sensations, or difficulty in straightening the knee. The patient does not report any other symptoms, has no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications, and is not taking any medications. There is no past medical history of chronic illnesses or conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the most likely cause of your knee pain is:

  • Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee): This is an injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon plays a pivotal role in the way you use your leg muscles. In particular, it helps your muscles extend the lower leg so that you can kick a ball, push the pedals on your bicycle, and jump up in the air. Jumper’s knee predominantly occurs in athletes participating in jumping sports such as basketball or volleyball. However, even people who don’t participate in jumping or running sports can get jumper’s knee.
    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy exercises can also help strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve your balance.

Please note that this is a likely possibility based on the information you've provided, but other conditions could also cause similar symptoms. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Rest your knee: Avoid putting too much weight on your knee. If you need to move around, try to avoid jumping or running.
  2. Ice your knee: Apply a cold pack to your knee for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonprescription medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  4. Strengthen your muscles: Once the pain subsides, exercises to strengthen your quadriceps can help improve muscle balance and decrease the risk of future injuries.

What you should look out for

If your pain continues for more than a few days, or if it's accompanied by significant swelling or redness, you should seek medical attention. Also, if you start to experience instability in your knee, difficulty walking, or severe pain, these could be signs of a more serious injury and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is patellar tendonitis and what causes it?

Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper's knee, is an injury to the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It is often caused by repetitive stress on the knee, particularly from activities involving jumping or frequent use of stairs.

How can I differentiate between patellar tendonitis and other knee injuries?

Patellar tendonitis typically presents as pain in the front of the knee, just below the kneecap, especially during activities like jumping or descending stairs. Unlike other knee injuries, it usually does not involve swelling, redness, or instability. However, a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What are the best initial treatments for patellar tendonitis?

Initial treatments for patellar tendonitis include resting the knee, applying ice to reduce inflammation, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. Once the pain decreases, physical therapy exercises to strengthen the quadriceps can be beneficial.

When should I seek medical attention for knee pain?

You should seek medical attention if the knee pain persists for more than a few days, or if you experience significant swelling, redness, instability, difficulty walking, or severe pain, as these could indicate a more serious injury.

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