Severe Knee Pain and Worrisome Dreams
- Female, 40 years old - Weight: 99 lbs, Height: 5'1" - Diagnoses: Sjögren’s syndrome, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), chronic fatigue with post-exertional malaise (PEM), chronic pain, potential postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), low blood pressure averaging 90/60, ADHD, anxiety. - Lifestyle: Vegan, non-smoker, occasional alcohol use - Medications: Lexapro, Vyvanse, hydroxychloroquine, Celebrex (used sparingly) Approximately six weeks ago, I accidentally struck my knee against a cabinet while assembling it, which resulted in severe pain. Surprisingly, there was no bruising or swelling, but the discomfort persisted, especially when my leg was fully extended or while climbing stairs. The pain primarily targeted the front of my knee because of the direct impact on my patella. After a few weeks, the intensity diminished, becoming more noticeable only during certain movements or when ascending stairs. Interestingly, the last fortnight has seen an improvement in my symptoms. However, last night, I had a vivid dream involving excruciating knee pain that required a hospital visit and fitting for an unusual brace. To my dismay, the pain I woke up to was indeed real, although it felt quite different from my initial injury. This time, the discomfort has shifted to the back of my knee, described as a deep, crampy ache with a burning sensation within the joint. Additionally, I feel a milder ache radiating up the inside of my thigh and into my groin on that side, which I suspect could be linked to menstrual cramps that began shortly after awakening. I find it concerning that this new pain emerged unexpectedly after a period of reduced symptoms, especially as it is localized in a different area and manifests as an unfamiliar type of pain. There is still no sign of bruising, swelling, or redness, and using ice has not alleviated the pain. I did take a Celebrex today, following my rheumatologist's recommendation to use it during painful episodes, though I have only used it a couple of times in the past three months. I also took tranexamic acid to manage heavy bleeding, which necessitated iron infusions last year. Could this be indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? I am aware that an accurate diagnosis can’t be made online, but after two years of seeking answers from various specialists regarding my ongoing fatigue and pain, I can’t shake the feeling of being overly anxious about my health. The reluctance to visit the emergency room for what may seem like an overreaction adds to my stress, as I do not want to be perceived as a hypochondriac. Thank you for any insights!
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 9:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of muscle and joint pain, alongside anxiety about your health. Given your history and recent events surrounding your knee, I'll address your concerns step by step.
Main Points
- Your knee pain is likely related to the prior injury and could be exacerbated by your underlying conditions, but it's important to assess if there's a newer issue.
- The vivid dreams and subsequent pain may be linked to anxiety and your chronic conditions, but new symptoms should be taken seriously.
- Monitoring your symptoms and considering conservative management strategies are essential steps.
Explanation
The knee pain you're feeling after your prior injury can often be influenced by your conditions, particularly Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which can lead to joint instability and pain. The shift in the pain location, especially to the back of the knee, combined with an unusual aching sensation, is noteworthy. It's also possible that muscle tension due to your ongoing anxiety or menstrual cramps could contribute to this sensation.
While DVT is a serious condition, it typically presents with other symptoms like swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area. Since you currently do not exhibit these signs, it may be less likely, but it’s important to remain vigilant.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your knee pain, noting the intensity, what movements aggravate it, and any additional symptoms (like changes in swelling, warmth, or any new sensations). This will help identify patterns and changes.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, to maintain joint mobility without excessive strain. These activities may help improve flexibility and strength, potentially alleviating some pain. Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain, like climbing stairs or high-impact movements.
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Manage Pain with Care: Continue with Celebrex as needed for pain, but observe how you respond to it and notify your healthcare provider about its effectiveness during your next appointment. Also, consider discussing with your doctor whether physical therapy or specific exercises for knee stabilization might be beneficial.
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Address Anxiety: With your history of anxiety, engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga may help ease your mental burden and potentially reduce pain perception.
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Stay Connected with Care Team: Maintain open communication with your healthcare providers regarding your symptoms, especially since they are evolving. If your pain worsens or new symptoms arise (like swelling or changes in your leg), do seek medical attention promptly.
Remember, you are not overreacting to your health concerns, and it’s important to advocate for yourself. If your symptoms become more severe or if anxiety about your health escalates significantly, consider seeking advice from a trusted healthcare professional who understands your history.
Take care and please keep tracking how things progress.
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