Hi there, I am a 40 year-old female, and have been playing soccer for more than 30 years. I have recurring knee pain, which I have associated with osteo-arthritis due to playing an impact sport. With my last flare-up that began about 6 weeks ago, I have noticed that I actually have what seem to be depressions or soft spots directly on my kneecaps. On the more painful knee, you can even see the "hole" from several feet away. My general practitioner says I could have arthritis, bursitis, patellofemoral syndrome, or a combination of two or more of these conditions, but she couldn't explain why the bone on the tops of my kneecaps would be worn away. I would really like a diagnosis, so I can know how best to treat my pain, and I really don't want to have to give up soccer, if it is at all possible, but I don't want to cause further damage. Any ideas?
I am about 5'5" and 150 lbs.