[43F] With sudden knee pain, thigh nerve pain, fever, and fatigue

Question

U didn't ask about family history, my mom had breast cancer my dad had colon cancer

Patient Description

A 43-year-old female presents with severe knee pain rated at 9 out of 10, which began suddenly about a week ago. The pain is exacerbated by bending, walking, and climbing stairs. Additionally, she experiences sharp, intermittent nerve pain in the upper inner thigh, near the groin, causing her to stop immediately when it occurs. This thigh pain has been present for a few days. The patient also reports fatigue and a fever, with a recent measurement of 101.7°F, accompanied by occasional nausea. She manages her symptoms with ibuprofen, Aleve, and Tylenol. Her medical history includes asthma diagnosed in 2007, anxiety and PTSD diagnosed in 2018, and endometriosis diagnosed in 2022. She is allergic to penicillin and takes allergy medication to manage reactions to animals and dust. The patient smokes but denies recent injuries, changes in physical activity, or new medications. There is no family history of autoimmune diseases or significant medical conditions.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

Knee Pain and Thigh Pain:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition where the cartilage in your joints wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the knees. It can cause significant pain when bending, walking, or climbing stairs.
- Bursitis or Tendonitis: Inflammation of the bursae or tendons around the knee can cause pain and difficulty with movement.
- Nerve Compression or Sciatica: The sharp pain in your upper inner thigh could be related to nerve compression, possibly affecting the sciatic nerve, which can cause shooting pain in the leg.
Fever and Fatigue:
- Infection: A fever often indicates an infection somewhere in the body. This could be related to a viral or bacterial infection.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue, along with joint pain.
Nausea:
- This could be related to the fever or as a side effect of the medications you're taking, especially if taken on an empty stomach.

Typical treatments or testing might include imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to assess joint health, blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation, and possibly a referral to a specialist such as a rheumatologist or orthopedist.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

Rest and Ice: Rest your knees and apply ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Continue using ibuprofen or Aleve as directed, but be cautious of overuse. Always take these with food to minimize stomach upset.
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share this information with your healthcare provider. This can help in identifying patterns or triggers.
Avoid Triggers: If certain activities worsen your symptoms, try to avoid them until you can see a healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Worsening pain or inability to bear weight on your knee
Persistent high fever or new symptoms like chills or night sweats
Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or swelling in the knee or thigh
Severe nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down

Remember, while this information can be helpful, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized advice.

1

Hugs

1

Comments

Save

3 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Osteoarthritis: Arthritis Foundation Guidelines