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What Causes Swelling And Pain In The Knee Cap?
I have recently have had issues with my knee, swollen, pain, clicking, and sloppiness in the knee cap. I was weeding in my flower bed using a knee pad on a scallop cement weed blocker, turned and my knee got twisted. Since then about a month ago it has seemed to be more bothersome with the symptoms above, the swelling goes down to my ankle and foot, the difference between my legs is noticable, and seems to have gotten worse as the time goes on. I am a somewhat active 56 yr. old who gardens, hikes, and bike rides. I am having trouble doing these things at this point.
posted on
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Answered on
Thu, 21 Apr 2016
Last reviewed on
Hi,
thank you for providing the brief history of you.
I will advice to undergo a thorough musculoskeletal clinical assessment.
Post which you can be guided further. Usually, with clinical assessment, the ortho comes close to the diagnosis and if he feels there is a need of MRI to see the soft tissue status with in the knee joint he will recommend one. Based on that you will be advised simple medication and physical therapy.
As, you are 56 year old, there may be a possibility of soft tissue damage in the knee joint where it is swollen and painful as well. Also, due to ageing of tissues and wear & tear of the soft tissues, the mechanical changes occurs in the soft tissue which can allow it to get injure and give symptoms of pain and swelling at any time.
Getting assessed by an ortho will be of input to your health and functional status. Post this physical therapy will help to regain the strength in the muscle and avoid any future injuries by which your activities of daily living is fulfilled.
In my clinical experience - the combination of rest, medication and physical therapy provides 99% of regaining mobility in patients. I am sure you will also be fine soon.
Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
thank you for providing the brief history of you.
I will advice to undergo a thorough musculoskeletal clinical assessment.
Post which you can be guided further. Usually, with clinical assessment, the ortho comes close to the diagnosis and if he feels there is a need of MRI to see the soft tissue status with in the knee joint he will recommend one. Based on that you will be advised simple medication and physical therapy.
As, you are 56 year old, there may be a possibility of soft tissue damage in the knee joint where it is swollen and painful as well. Also, due to ageing of tissues and wear & tear of the soft tissues, the mechanical changes occurs in the soft tissue which can allow it to get injure and give symptoms of pain and swelling at any time.
Getting assessed by an ortho will be of input to your health and functional status. Post this physical therapy will help to regain the strength in the muscle and avoid any future injuries by which your activities of daily living is fulfilled.
In my clinical experience - the combination of rest, medication and physical therapy provides 99% of regaining mobility in patients. I am sure you will also be fine soon.
Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
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