Knee pain

by Albert
(Sydney, Australia)

I am a 48 year old male. Moderately overweight. Taking Crestor 5mg for Cholesterol. About 4 weeks ago I began to experience pain in my left knee, actually just above my knee and to the front. Pain present when climbing and descending stairs. Pain present when bending knee > 80 degrees, and particularly when straightening the knee against resistance. Has improved over the past week but today I noticed a clicking sound when flexing the knee. Range of bending knee limited compared with the other knee - cannot bend > 100 degrees.

Combine with this 3 weeks ago I also developed extremely strong pain in the right shoulder extending down the forearm present all the time and worsening with movement. Has largely subsided but still a twinge. Both the knee pain and shoulder pain started suddenly and with no trauma.

Blood CK and ESR normal. GP suggested a virus affecting muscles and was not interested in further examination at the time. Knee pain has reduced over last week but still present when extending joint against resistance, and climbing and descending stairs. Joint seems to stiffen with rest and improves with mild exercising.

I have had much milder and shorter episodes of knee pain only on the OTHER knee - maybe for a week or so once ever two - three years - in exactly the same location - but not this strong and would clear up quicker. These have occurred for the last 12 year or so.

Mother had history of knee arthritis from about age 55.

Knee Pain and Clicking

The knee pain and clicking would suggest possibly a bone fragment or a bit of calcium in the knee joint. You could also have an osteophyte which is a feature of osteoarthritis. If your symptoms continue, you may need to have an x-ray which might confirm this. Arthroscopy or keyhole camera examination of your knee may determine this too and removal of any foreign material in your knee. This is only if your symptoms don’t settle in the coming months. I suspect the knee on the other side is becoming painful due to using it more to compensate the problems with your left knee. Perhaps you could ask your doctor if they could refer you for some physiotherapy.




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