[52F] Experiencing knee pain with grinding sensation

Patient Description

A 52-year-old female reports experiencing pain in her knee for almost 2 weeks. The pain is located on the inside of the knee and is exacerbated by standing, walking, and straightening the leg. The patient describes a grinding sensation within the knee cap but reports no swelling, locking, catching sensations, or unexpected buckling of the knee. The pain severity increases with weight-bearing activities and when the leg is straightened. There have been no recent injuries or accidents involving the knee. The patient's occupation requires frequent kneeling, which may contribute to the symptoms.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes of your knee pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that often affects the knees. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and a grating or grinding sensation when you move the joint.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of exercise, weight loss if you're overweight, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This condition causes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. It's often seen in people who participate in sports, but it can also occur in non-athletes. The pain is usually worse when going up or down stairs, squatting, or sitting with the knee bent for a long time.

    • Treatment usually involves physical therapy and pain relievers.

  • Meniscus tear: This is a common injury in which forceful twisting causes certain tissue in the knee to tear. However, in your case, this is less likely since you didn't mention any specific injury event.

    • Treatment may include physical therapy, a brace, or in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

You should definitely see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

  1. Rest your knee as much as possible.
  2. Apply ice to your knee for 15 minutes, several times a day.
  3. Elevate your leg on a pillow when you sit or lie down.
  4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The pain is severe or sudden.
  • Your knee is severely swollen.
  • You cannot move your knee.
  • You cannot bear weight on your knee.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee?

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a grinding sensation when moving the joint. The pain often worsens with activity and improves with rest.

How can patellofemoral pain syndrome be managed at home?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can be managed at home by resting the knee, applying ice, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee as advised by a physical therapist.

What are the signs that a knee injury might require immediate medical attention?

Signs that a knee injury might require immediate medical attention include severe or sudden pain, significant swelling, inability to move the knee, or inability to bear weight on the knee.

Can frequent kneeling at work contribute to knee pain, and how can it be mitigated?

Frequent kneeling can contribute to knee pain by putting pressure on the knee joint. To mitigate this, one can use knee pads, take frequent breaks, and perform exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee to provide better support.

1 Comments

Patt#99

7 mo ago

grinding sensation sounds pretty indicative of osteoarthritis unless it started happening suddenly after a fall/hit or something in which case im not sure

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