Suggest Treatment For Right Knee Pain And Weakness

Posted on Tue, 14 Jul 2015

Question: I am 48, male, 6'3' 212 lbs. i have no history of knee pain. My right knee has pain and weakness when I squat down or get out of chair. The pain is mostly above the knee cap and below the quadriceps. The pain is very minimal or non-existant while straight. I can walk fine. My left knee also has some discomfort but does not have the weakness. I have no other symptoms including no fever or inflammation in either knee. I have been sitting frequently for long periods of time the last few months.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritic changes likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From your symptoms it seems that your right knee has undergone osteoarthritic changes. These are basically age related degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like knee and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness.
The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin , dycerin, etc and some life style modifications and physiotherapy.
Right now you can start taking Tablet Tylenol ( Acetaminophen) Double Strength after breakfast and after dinner. It is suggested to add calcium supplements 500mg each twice daily. This will take care of your mild symptoms in 3-5 days.
You can start with walking and aerobic fitness exercises, quadriceps strengthening, patellar tapping, lateral heel wedges, etc- under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
A Big No to Stair case, squatting postures, any chair which has a sitting platform lower than your knees.
Knee brace can also be used for an earlier and prolonged relief.

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.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (26 hours later)

Thank you for your reply.
What type of quadricep strengthening exercise since I am not to get in a squatting position?
Is bicycling acceptable aerobic exercise if I don't allow my knee to reach a 90 degree angle?
How many mg of Tylenol should I take per your recommendation for the relief of these symptoms?
Do you have any specifics for "some lifestyle changes"?

Thanks, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Exercise is best done under guidance of physiotherapist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The quadriceps strengthening can be done under the guidance of a physiotherapist who can tell the amount of stress that your knee can stand without any damage. Cycling or swimming can help.
You can take 500 mg of Tylenol every 6 hours or 1000mg twice a day after meals.
You need to lose some weight in case you are overweight. You can add omega 3 fatty acid supplements and do regular exercise for better health.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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