Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Arthritis Visible On An X-ray Report?
Question: I exercise on a regular basis on the elliptical but lately I have had some knee pain ... the pain seems to be in the outer corners of my knees.. it hurts when I get up from a standing position or sit down.. I get pretty stiff after sitting for a whille..the doctor did an X-ray but saw nothing .. can they see arthritis on an X-ray? They tested my knee for strength and pain on twisting it seemed good.. the only pain I felt during the testing is when he tried to pull my leg up forward. What could cause this? Can I continue to exercise? I do have some pain during exercise .. any exercise you can recommend? Sometomes on my left knee I feel like it is hard to open my knee all the way .. I feel tightness when I try to bend my knee.. the doctor that I might have inflamed the muscle bug it has been 2 weeks and it still feels painful especially on one knee.. thanks so much!
Brief Answer:
MRI scan needed for proper diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain in the knee that you have can be related to decreased joint lubricants due to arthritis or due to a mild inflammation of joint capsule. X-ray can detect advanced changes of arthritis but to detect the early or mild changes, MRI scan is the best investigation.
The pain while pulling the leg forwards can be due to a mild inflammation of joint capsule or a mild ligament injury.
You need to use a pair of knee supports during exercise and stop as soon as the pain starts.
Do not put too much stress on the knees. Quadriceps drill can help under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
The inflammation needs a rest to subside. In case proper rest is not given then pain can persist for 4-6 weeks.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
MRI scan needed for proper diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain in the knee that you have can be related to decreased joint lubricants due to arthritis or due to a mild inflammation of joint capsule. X-ray can detect advanced changes of arthritis but to detect the early or mild changes, MRI scan is the best investigation.
The pain while pulling the leg forwards can be due to a mild inflammation of joint capsule or a mild ligament injury.
You need to use a pair of knee supports during exercise and stop as soon as the pain starts.
Do not put too much stress on the knees. Quadriceps drill can help under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
The inflammation needs a rest to subside. In case proper rest is not given then pain can persist for 4-6 weeks.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
