I've got a strange knee pain issue I need some thoughts on?
I've got an appointment with an Orthopedic M.D. in about 1 week but thought I would post my knee pain situation to get some thoughts on what might be the cause. I'm a pretty good amateur doctor but this diagnosis has me stumped.
First let me say I am 41, 6' 190 and run/swim/cross train 6 days a week including 2-3 half-marathons a year. I'm a step ahead of weekend warriors and a 2-steps behind real athletes. I have NOT had previous knee pain or any acute knee injuries (twists, ligament or tendon issues, etc..). My knee feels "solid" when I exercise, not like it is going to "give" in.
I am able to walk and exercise on my knee normally with little to no pain although in the last week or so I have had some noticeable mild pressure and low pain when I am sitting but in general the pain is low (2 on a 1-10 scale).
The big issue I have is when I have my knee in any position for any amount of time (other than a 45 degree angle like sitting at a desk) when I go to move my knee it is frozen in place. Not locked. Frozen. With great effort due to the excruciating pain I can move my leg. Once I "warm" it up it is fine, except as described above. During this time the pain is a 8. For some time now I have had to "pop" my knee by applying slight pressure sideways to it to make it feel better. I also notice some grinding when I climb stairs. Climbing stairs = a pain level of 3-4.
I assumed I had tendinitis for quite a while but having read a little I think I have something different. Any thoughts on possible diagnoses to research would be helpful.
Thanks!
Public Comments
1. from all the info you have given, it actually sounds like you may have osteoarthritis.it developes with age and trauma -being a runner can do that, consistantly pounding the road.your MD will properly diagnose you, but till your appointment take it easy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthritis
