[33F] Experiencing progressive knee pain and stiffness
Patient Description
A 33-year-old female presents with a month-long history of progressive knee pain, described as a dull ache in the back of the knee and behind the kneecap, with sharp pain upon knee extension. The pain is rated as a baseline 4 out of 10, spiking to 5 when the knee is straightened. The patient reports that the pain worsens with bending, standing up, and walking, and is particularly severe after resting following movement. Stiffness in the knee began a couple of weeks ago, and the patient describes a sensation of hyperextension when trying to fully straighten the knee, which persists throughout the day. There is no reported swelling, redness, or sensations of locking, catching, or the knee giving way. However, the patient does experience occasional popping or cracking sounds when standing. The patient has a history of knee injuries, including two meniscus tears and a stress fracture. Additionally, the patient has a medical history of epilepsy, ADHD, and endometriosis.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the knee. It's more common in older adults, but previous injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis at a younger age.
- Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.
- Meniscal Tear: Given your history of meniscal tears, it's possible that you've experienced another tear. These can cause pain, swelling, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee.
- Treatment can range from rest and physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the tear.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This condition, also known as "runner's knee," causes pain behind the kneecap and is often worse when bending the knee, walking up or down stairs, or after sitting for long periods of time.
- Treatment often involves physical therapy and pain management strategies.
What you can do
- Rest your knee as much as possible and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
- Apply ice to your knee for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage your pain. However, they should not be used for long-term pain management without consulting a doctor.
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve your knee's range of motion and strength. A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises to do.
What you should look out for
You should seek immediate medical attention if:
- Your pain becomes severe or unbearable.
- You're unable to move your knee.
- Your knee becomes red, hot, or swollen.
- You develop a fever.
Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.
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10 mo ago