OpenHealth Q&A

Occasional Bump Behind Left Knee and Associated Weakness

I am a 25-year-old trans man (assigned female at birth) residing in England. Currently, I am not on hormone therapy—I was for six months more than a year ago. My lifestyle includes occasional drinking, while I neither smoke nor use recreational drugs. I occasionally consume caffeine and energy drinks. Standing at 5’3” and weighing 50 kg, I maintain a healthy, albeit limited diet due to a low appetite, and I no longer engage in regular exercise. My prescribed medication is 225 mg of Venlafaxine, which I have been taking daily for many years. Below, I will outline my health conditions to provide additional context. Recently, I noticed a noticeable lump behind my left knee when I woke up, which I initially suspected may have resulted from an insect sting, especially since I have a mild allergy to certain stings. This lump disappeared spontaneously but then reappeared just a few days ago before vanishing again the day before yesterday. While walking around my home today, I heard a loud crack from my knee. I've also been experiencing a strange sensation in that knee since then. Despite the absence of pain, the area feels sensitive, as if I am acutely aware of my whole knee. It occasionally cracks audibly during larger movements, although I do not feel the cracking physically. The knee feels unstable, not to the extent that I cannot walk, but I do find it challenging to bear weight on it. Just recently, I almost lost my balance while descending the stairs, which was alarming. Regarding the lump, it never hurt and felt soft to the touch during its presence. I wondered if this could be related to a Baker’s Cyst, but I’ve never read about cysts that come and go in this manner. Given that this has only happened twice, it might be a fleeting issue that's resolving, yet I am seeking informed opinions. My search yielded no matching symptoms or typical cancer signs, prompting me to ask for help here. Additional Health Conditions: - Throughout 2023 and until late last year, I endured significant distress and had multiple overdoses on over-the-counter medications, primarily paracetamol. As a result, I experienced acute liver failure twice but recovered fully with 12-hour IV treatments. Currently, I cope with chronic fatigue and have easily bleeding gums. However, my liver function remains unassessed beyond general indications that it is operational. Hospital visits totaling four have involved IV administration. - Heart disease runs in both sides of my family. My maternal grandfather succumbed to it in his late forties, and my father has been managing a heart condition with medication for approximately thirty years. While I do not have any heart conditions, I naturally experience a high heart rate. During physical exertion, it can exceed 160 bpm, leading to sensations of faintness or nausea when it drops unexpectedly between 30-50 bpm. I also notice these fluctuations while standing, alongside a persistent runny nose that resembles water and has a salty taste. - My mother has arthritis, experiencing occasional knee pain, yet she does not have the same symptoms I am facing. Five years ago, I consulted with a physician regarding infrequent rib and knuckle pain (rarely still experienced), at which point the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis was suggested, but no further evaluation occurred. - Due to insomnia, my sleep schedule is inconsistent. Additionally, I have autism and ADHD, conditions that I have managed for years, but I doubt they are related to my current issue.

Answers (1)

4/1/2025, 11:10:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing such detailed information about your condition. It seems you're experiencing a lump behind your left knee that appears and disappears, along with some instability and cracking noises from your knee. These symptoms, while concerning, can often have benign explanations.

Key Points:

1. The lump may be a Baker’s cyst, although they can vary in presentation.
2. The knee instability and cracking could indicate ligament or cartilage issues.
3. Your medical history, including past liver issues, heart rate fluctuations, and family history of heart disease, are important but may not be directly related to the knee symptoms.

Explanation:

A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form behind the knee, often associated with swelling from arthritis or injury. They can indeed appear and disappear, especially if they are small or if the joint swelling fluctuates. However, the cracking and instability could suggest other underlying issues, such as meniscus tears or ligament problems since those can also affect knee mechanics, leading to the sensations you've described.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the lump's appearances, any associated symptoms (e.g., weakness, instability), and any changes in motion or pain. Write these down to identify patterns.

2. Gentle Movement: To maintain an active range of motion without straining the knee, consider gentle stretching or low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling. Avoid any activities that cause discomfort.

3. Ice and Compression: If you notice any swelling or discomfort, applying ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling. A knee support brace might also offer stability during activities.

4. Evaluate Activity Levels: If your knee feels unstable during certain activities, avoid those movements and seek ways to enhance your balance and strength through safe exercises specifically for the knee.

5. Seek Professional Assessment: If the symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting with an orthopedic specialist. They may recommend imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI to assess for a Baker’s cyst or other structural issues. Given your complex medical history, a healthcare provider will also evaluate any potential connections between your symptoms and existing conditions.

Remember:

It's good that you're being proactive about your health concerns. Many knee issues can improve with self-care and monitoring, but staying alert to changes is key. I'm here if you have more questions or need further clarification. Take care!