What Causes Stiffness In Knees When Suffering From Medial Meniscus Tear In Right Knee?

I have had a recurring fever since October (goes up at night). I was also diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear of the right knee and kneecap arthritis but was unable to have surgery until the fever is gone. The knee was very swollen and sore - hard to put weight on it. Rheumatologist ruled out RA through blood work although my inflammation is high in the C Reactive Protein & Sedimentation (3.9% CRP & 73 sedimentation). I was put on 16 mg of medrol daily in December and that worked wonders (fever gone, etc). Two weeks ago, the dose was cut to 8 mg daily. The right knee stiffened but was not painful. A week later, both knees are stiff and painful and the fever returned (100.6) with general ill feeling. Rheumatologist put me back on full dose of 16 mg three days ago but that does not get to the root problem of the fever. Now, both knees are very stiff (fever seems to be gone so far) in the front and back and radiating into my calves. The orthpedic surgeon previously ruled out infection. I am supposed to have surgery on the meniscus in two weeks and go off the sterioids 1 week prior; however, I'm afraid the fever will return and surgery cancelled. I'm also very concerned about the stiffness in both knees and into my lower legs. I have a desk job and notice it more at work after sitting for a length of time. I also wonder about sarcoidosis and Lofgren's syndrome (I am of scandanavian descent). Help. Thank you.



Karen