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

What Causes Persistent Knee Pain And Difficulty Walking?

Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016

Question: My mother is 79 years old and she is suffering from pain at knee and just below knee. It feels like a sprain and she feels the pain while walking, but not while sitting, lying down or just standing.

Can you please suggest what could be wrong and any medication. We live in XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Knee osteoarthritis likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the symptoms it seems that both of her knee joints have 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. Sometimes application of hot pads can make the movement possible.
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 she can start taking Tablet Tylenol ( Acetaminophen)/ Ibuprofen after breakfast and after dinner. It is suggested to add calcium supplements 500mg each twice daily. This will take care of her mild symptoms in 3-5 days.
She can start with walking and aerobic fitness exercises, quadriceps strengthening, patellar tapping, lateral heel wedges, etc- under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
A Big No to Stair case, squatting postures, any chair which has a sitting platform lower than the knees.
Knee brace can also be used for an earlier and prolonged relief.
In severe cases intra articular injections of steroids and hyaluronic acid may be needed after consultation with an orthopaedician.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 days later)

Dear Dr. Tayal,

Thanks very much for your reply and the medical advice received.

My mother has a very sensitive stomach and acidity increases whenever she takes strong medicines / pain killers.

Will she get affected by acidity by taking Tylenol ( Acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen ?

Kindly suggest medicine to be taken along with either of the above tablets to counter acidity.

You have suggested taking medicines for 3-5 days. In case pain does not subside, should she continue the medicines without break - if yes how long?

Thanks and Regards
XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do take these after meals.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
To decrease the effect on stomach she should avoid taking any pain killers on an empty stomach. She can take Tab. Omeprazole along with it once a day early in the morning to counteract the acidity. She can take these medicines for 3 weeks continuously after which it is best to give it a break for 7-10 days.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

One last query - You have suggested use of "knee brace". Can you please suggest any specific brand or type (design) of "knee brace" and how long should she wear it in a day - can it be worn continuously - can she sleep with knee brace on?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Use it during day.

Detailed Answer:
It is best to use an elastic knee brace or knee supports. She can use it during the day and can remove it while sleeping at night.
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