HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is Physical Therapy The Right Treatment For Severe Pain In Knee?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016

Question: I think I may have a meniscal bruising or a chondral injury to my left knee. I am A 71 yrs old female have been very physically active my whole life.. earlier as a professional ballet dancer and now for more than 30yrs + have practiced yoga 2 - 5 times weekly. Have never had any knee injuries of any kind... this possibile current injury did NOT occurr as some kind of sudden accident.... but slow started as a low level of pain since Nov. I had a sudden flare-up at the end of Feb. when ai spent 2 long days on sightseeing walking in Key W. FL
Now that I've returned from FL have gone to my primary care dr. who has tentatively diagnosised as the above stated conditions listed at the start of this note. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THIS POSSIBLE CONDITION. And what pain meds would you recommend.THANK YOU XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get an X-Ray of both knees done.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone very carefully through your query. However, I feel that without an injury meniscal bruising or chondral injury to be unlikely. Rather, osteoarthritis seems more likely to me. Here the cartilaginous cap gets eroded away. The sightseeing walk could have aggravated a pre-existing problem. Osteoporosis could also be involved. It is hard to comment definitively without a proper clinical examination. I would insist you to get an X-Ray (AP and lateral) of both knees done and to share the report. You can do so using the facility on the upper right of this page.

Physical therapy should help. But the specifics of the therapy would depend on the findings of the X-Ray. As of now, use ice compress. For pain relief, I would prefer paracetamol or acetaminophen 1g thrice daily or as required, as of now, although other pain killers can also be used.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

I did have an x-ray taken of both knees & was told that both knee are in fine condition, no structural problems... was indicated that I might have a small amount of osteoarthritis was diagnoised. thank you for your suggestions of medications. Are these items available without a prescription?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should be available without prescription

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
X-rays can be done without prescription but certain centers still ask for one. If that is the case you can get it from the ER.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (16 hours later)

I understand that x-rays do not require a prescription... I was asking you about the pain medications that you recommended NOT x-rays. I have already had x-rays taken as my message stated to you. pls. advise further on your pain medications that you recommended. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Available OTC

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Pardon me for not understanding. Tylenol (acetaminophen) as well as Aleve (naproxen) are available without prescription and should help in relieving your pain. Also apply cold compress.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

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