[34F] With knee and lower back pain after resuming running

Patient Description

A 34-year-old female reports experiencing tugging pain on the lower inside part of the right knee for about a week. The pain is rated as 4 out of 10 and worsens with running. The patient recently resumed running after a couple of years. Additional symptoms include lower back pain, knee swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and clicking or popping sounds. The knee also feels unstable at times. No treatments such as rest, ice, compression, or elevation have been tried. There is no history of previous knee injuries or surgeries, and no bruising is noted. The patient is taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Medical history includes thyroid disease, and there is an allergy to penicillin. Current medications are levothyroxine and prenatal vitamins, with acetaminophen recently discontinued.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your knee pain could be due to a few possible causes:

  • Medial Meniscus Injury: The inside part of your knee is where the medial meniscus is located. Running after a long break might have caused some strain or a minor tear, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. Typical treatments include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and physical therapy. In some cases, imaging like an MRI might be needed.

  • Pes Anserine Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa located on the inside of the knee. It can cause pain and tenderness, especially with increased activity. Treatment often involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes physical therapy.

What you can do

For Knee Pain:

  • Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain, like running.
  • Ice: Apply ice packs to your knee for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
  • Compression: Use an elastic bandage or knee brace to provide support.
  • Elevation: Keep your knee raised above heart level when resting to decrease swelling.
  • Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Consider taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen if you're not allergic, but consult your doctor first.

For Lower Back Pain:

  • Heat Therapy: Continue using heat to relieve discomfort.
  • Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension.

Track Your Symptoms:

  • Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Increased swelling or redness in the knee
  • Severe pain or inability to bear weight
  • Fever or signs of infection
  • Persistent instability or locking of the knee

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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2 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a medial meniscus injury?

Common symptoms of a medial meniscus injury include pain on the inside of the knee, swelling, stiffness, a feeling of instability, and sometimes a clicking or popping sound when moving the knee.

How can pes anserine bursitis be treated at home?

Pes anserine bursitis can be treated at home by resting the knee, applying ice to reduce swelling, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications if not contraindicated, and engaging in physical therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles.

What are the benefits of using the RICE method for knee pain?

The RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, helps reduce swelling and pain, supports the knee, and promotes healing by minimizing further injury.

When should I seek medical attention for knee pain?

You should seek medical attention for knee pain if you experience increased swelling or redness, severe pain, inability to bear weight, fever, signs of infection, or persistent instability or locking of the knee.

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