Q. How to manage my right knee pain that presents for more than a month?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the information. Since there are very few sections of the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that you have shared, I cannot comment on the status of the ligaments and joints (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Also, there are no reports got through the radiologist. From the history, you have mentioned that there was no injury or trauma, and also, the X-rays did not point to any bony injury as we can assume there is no tear or ligamentous injury. It can be patellofemoral overload syndrome. Does the pain increase on squatting? Does it pain when you sit cross-legged? Does it pain more while climbing or going downstairs? Do you have knocked knees? Kindly revert with the information so that I can guide you further.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the information. I have gone through the MRI. Based on that, there appears to be a tear in the posterior horn of the meniscus. A partial tear of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is also a possibility. There is a lot of edema in the notch area even though some fibers appear to maintain the alignment (can be mucoid degeneration of the ACL). Also, there is evidence of edema in the knee joint. I cannot be very sure as it is a radiologist who specializes in reading them. Is there any history of instability, especially while walking on an uneven surface or sudden change of direction? If yes, then how many such episodes have occurred?

Is there any history of locking in the knee or clicking sounds heard while bending the knee? Pain can be due to edema, which should settle down by using ice packs, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen or Aceclofenac. Revert with the information to the questions asked here and also in the previous post. Accordingly, we can discuss the further course of treatment, whether we need exercises or require some intervention. Clinical correlation is essential, and that is why I need a good history.

Kindly follow up if you have more queries.

Thanks and regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the information. As per the clinical history and radiological investigations, you will most probably have relief only with rehabilitation and exercises along with some medications. Hopefully, you will not require any intervention. Tear of the meniscus should respond to conservative management and if doubtful ACL injury is not causing any symptoms, so you can stop worrying about it.

Treatment:

Ice packs.

Precautions:

Do not sit cross-legged and avoid climbing or going downstairs and avoid squatting as well.

Exercises:

Quadriceps Strengthening exercises, starting with isometric exercises to isotonic exercises (you can either go to a physiotherapist or watch them online).

Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) strengthening exercises.

Patellar tracking exercises.

Take a short course of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Naproxen twice a day for five days. Take daily calcium and vitamin D3 weekly supplements. Hopefully, your symptoms should improve with the treatment mentioned above in a few days to a few weeks. In case if there is any locking of the knee and an episode of instability, you will have to visit the nearby hospital. I hope this has helped.

Thank you.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Manav Gupta

Experience: 9 + Yrs

Orthopedician And Traumatology

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