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Forum Name: Miscellaneous Orthopedic Topics

Question: severe knee stiffness and pain

maryb - Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:23 pm

I am a 47 year old female. Post menopausal, partial hysterectomy. About 3 months ago my L knee started hurting with mild stiffness. It has progressed to where I cannot put my weight on the leg, can hardly bend it. There is some swelling and warmth but no reddness. When I do bend it, it grinds and clicks. The swelling seems tobe all around the knee. My father and sister have both had Knee surg. Exact reason unsure. I have not injured the knee that I know of. If I try to put my weight on the leg, it is extremely painful and the knee buckles. Thankyou for your time.

Dr. Chan Lowe - Thu Jan 04, 2007 7:28 pm

This is suspicious for Osteoarthritis. If you are unable to walk on your knee I would recommend urgent evaluation to ensure that there is not an infection in the knee. However, if the pain has been slowly worsening for 3 months, an infection is incredibly unlikely. There are a few other possibilities so evaluation is important. With a family history of knee problems there is a possibility of a rheumatologic process as well. There are some treatments for Osteoarthritis to hopefully avoid a knee replacement if possible. Hope this helps.

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