Suggest Treatment For Pain And Stiffness Of The Knee

Posted on Tue, 21 Feb 2017

Question: Last Thursday morning I had great difficulty getting out of bed. Both my knees were stiff and painful. Neither leg could straighten out properly. I had a hard time controlling my bladder. The only thing I can think may have caused this was walking in frosty weather on Wednesday night with my knees exposed. It's now Sunday afternoon I have not visited the doctors and I'm struggling to walk. I will probably have to buy myself some incontinence pads. I am female in my early fifties. Any suggestions as to what may be happening to me. 16 years ago I had surgery to repair cruciate ligaments in Mr right knee. Hazel

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Incontinence needs further investigation. Osteoarthritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

It seems that you may have developed arthritis of both your knees. If you also have involvement of the small joints of your hands regarding stiffness, it could be Rheumatoid arthritis.

But since warm water gives relief, it could be degenerative arthritis or Osteoarthritis which is age related.

It would be helpful to get blood tests as follows, Rheumatoid factor, CBC, ESR, CRP and Anti CCP.

Apply warm packs to the affected region. Avoid weight lifting or treadmill exercise. Avoid squatting, cross leg sitting, climbing stairs and kneeling.

You can continue to use the gel. Do get the blood tests done because depending on the tests, the treatment changes.

Regarding incontinence, it's most probably due to age related reasons. Hormonal deficiency can cause this. Perform Kegel's exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Avoid substances that cause excessive urination like caffeine, smoking, alcohol, colas. Consult a Urologist and undergo certain tests to find the cause and treat it respectively.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (15 hours later)

Thanks for your respond. I had a GP consultation with the out of hours GPS in the local hospital last night. The GP suggested that I go to my doctor and ask for a xray. I will do this. The GP also gave me some very strong painkillers that I should take 3 times a day (Naproxen), plus another tablet that I should take once a day to counteract the negative impact that the prescribed painkillers will have on my heart. (Omeprazole). I am now wondering if there are any less harmful interventions/medications that you can tell me about. Also I will ask my GP for the blood tests. Are the names of the tests you gave me in UK terminology? I look forward to hearing from you soon. Hazel

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to take Paracetamol and Tramadol. The tests are in UK terminology.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your reply

It is better to avoid Naproxen as it is harmful for the stomach and kidneys.

You can take Tablet Paracetamol 650mg thrice a day with Tablet Tramadol 300mg twice a day. The Tramadol would require prescription from a Doctor in the UK but you can take Paracetamol over the counter.

The tests mentioned are of UK terminology. Kindly get them done and inform me of the same.

Thanks and regards.

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy