Chronic knee pain for 2.5 years but a clean MRI. Any ideas?
I am a 23 year old female and have been dealing with chronic knee pain for 2.5 years. I have pain when sitting, walking, and especially on stairs and it is located beneath the knee cap. The pain is burning and itching and during activity it can be piercing.
I initially injured my knee in China and was without proper medical for attention for six months until I returned to the States. Prior to the initial injury, I ran five miles a day. Upon seeing a doctor in the US, I was diagnosed with patellar tendinitis.
Since then, I have rested for periods of up to five months, completed physical therapy four times, tried neurontin for the chronic pain, cortisone shots, and hyalgan shots. Additionally, my MRI came back fine. This week during physical therapy the inside lower part of my right knee bruised and swelled up and my PT suggested it looked like bursitis. I also am experiencing IT band issues. At this point in the treatment, I am discouraged. Does anyone have any input? All of my pain came back when I started PT again last week and I just want to run again!
Public Comments
1. Well, I'm sorry to hear about your chronic injuries. I don't have a miracle answer for all your problems, but can relate a bit to the IT Band problem and being unable to run for several years. I finally went to see someone at this sports medicine institute, went through a couple therapy sessions, and started using a foam roller to stretch out my IT Band, and it has really helped. If there is anyone that can help with these sports injuries, it'll be them. They've worked on a lot of Olympic athletes, and I am sure that they could help you too. Of course, they are in Palo Alto, CA, so I'm not sure if thats in your neck of the woods. If it is though, I would highly recommend you see Mark Fadil. I stopped running long distance for 6 years, and took up tennis to fill that empty void. If your knees can't stand the pounding any more, maybe its time you took up swimming, or Yoga, or Tai Chi? Regardless, Good Luck!http://smiweb.org/
