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What Causes Discoloration On The Knee Joint?
Question: I have a little discomfort and tingle in my right leg above my knee. The area is seperated by a discoloration in my skin pretty much a straight line, that has also developed. This has all started about month ago. The darker side of the skin ( the outer side of the leg so to say is more of a little pain but nothing so much to even take anything for) the lighter side of the skin or inner side of the theigh is very sensitive to touch extremely numb and almost if touch light enough it would not even be felt. I am 43 and in shape and don't sit around much. i do stand on my feet about 9 hours a day. Can you tell me what you may think this may be i have also encluded pictures.
Thank you XXXXXXX
Thank you XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Suspecting some wear and tear in your joint
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query as well the images with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Based on the information provided, I do suspect some injury or process of wearing out due to the following reasons:
1. You exercise on an almost daily basis, which can result in some wear and tear in the knee joint
2. Based on the changes in your feet, I am guessing you wear high heels quite often, which has a strong impact on the knee joint, spine and hip joints; which also contributes to some amount of wear and tear in the knee joint
3. Standing on your feet for 9 hours a day can also have an impact
4. In women, after the age of 40 years there can be changes in bone health due to the effects of pre-menopause or menopause itself (doesn't mean your having them too, but it's certainly a possibility).
Probably either ligament related or gradual wear and tear in the knee joint (? chondromalacia), but for the same I would recommend 3 things:
1. A physical examination by an orthopedic doctor who can perform certain manoeuvres
2. MRI of the knee, can provide a lot of information about the knee
3. Based on the MRI, your doctor can plan an arthroscopy which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic
For now:
+Keep the leg elevated, this prevents swelling
+Apply a cold pack over the region as tolerated through the day
+You can also choose to wear a knee stabiliser through the day (elastic/crepe bandage), but make sure you take it out at night
+Mild non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) can help
I hope you find my response helpful. Please do not hesitate to write to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Suspecting some wear and tear in your joint
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query as well the images with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Based on the information provided, I do suspect some injury or process of wearing out due to the following reasons:
1. You exercise on an almost daily basis, which can result in some wear and tear in the knee joint
2. Based on the changes in your feet, I am guessing you wear high heels quite often, which has a strong impact on the knee joint, spine and hip joints; which also contributes to some amount of wear and tear in the knee joint
3. Standing on your feet for 9 hours a day can also have an impact
4. In women, after the age of 40 years there can be changes in bone health due to the effects of pre-menopause or menopause itself (doesn't mean your having them too, but it's certainly a possibility).
Probably either ligament related or gradual wear and tear in the knee joint (? chondromalacia), but for the same I would recommend 3 things:
1. A physical examination by an orthopedic doctor who can perform certain manoeuvres
2. MRI of the knee, can provide a lot of information about the knee
3. Based on the MRI, your doctor can plan an arthroscopy which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic
For now:
+Keep the leg elevated, this prevents swelling
+Apply a cold pack over the region as tolerated through the day
+You can also choose to wear a knee stabiliser through the day (elastic/crepe bandage), but make sure you take it out at night
+Mild non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) can help
I hope you find my response helpful. Please do not hesitate to write to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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