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Severe Pain Just Above Right Knee With Swelling About An
Question: Severe pain just above right knee with swelling about an inch and a half in the same location. Have not fallen, not injured that I know of, do swim and walk in the pool 1-2 miles per day. Have iced the area (not helped). Knee gives out when walking, can not raise the leg to elevate it without using my hands under the knee to lift. Any thoughts?
Brief Answer:
The patellofemoral syndrome may cause similar symptoms- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Pain around the kneecap in a patient that is exercising regularly and has not had a trauma of the knee is very likely due to patellofemoral syndrome and patellar misalignment. In this case, the kneecap does not stay in the grove it should be and causes pain on the kneecap or around it and the kneecap may move out time after time causing the feeling as if the knee is giving out. Severe pain and even swelling may happen in some cases.
It is good you are having a visit as a physical examination of the knee can clarify if a patellofemoral syndrome and patellar instability are preset (special maneuvers to diagnose it).
Also, a knee examination will check the ligaments and meniscuses to rule out potential problems with these knee structures.
If the patellofemoral syndrome is suspected and diagnosed then physiotherapy is the treatment of choice. In this case, exercises that strengthen the quadriceps muscle are given so they can be strong enough to keep the kneecap aligned.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
The patellofemoral syndrome may cause similar symptoms- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Pain around the kneecap in a patient that is exercising regularly and has not had a trauma of the knee is very likely due to patellofemoral syndrome and patellar misalignment. In this case, the kneecap does not stay in the grove it should be and causes pain on the kneecap or around it and the kneecap may move out time after time causing the feeling as if the knee is giving out. Severe pain and even swelling may happen in some cases.
It is good you are having a visit as a physical examination of the knee can clarify if a patellofemoral syndrome and patellar instability are preset (special maneuvers to diagnose it).
Also, a knee examination will check the ligaments and meniscuses to rule out potential problems with these knee structures.
If the patellofemoral syndrome is suspected and diagnosed then physiotherapy is the treatment of choice. In this case, exercises that strengthen the quadriceps muscle are given so they can be strong enough to keep the kneecap aligned.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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