Struggling with Persistent Knee Discomfort
At 18 years old and assigned female at birth, I’m experiencing discomfort in both knees that doesn’t resemble anything described in online resources. The pain feels like a profound ache, possibly originating from the patellar tendon. The discomfort intensifies with prolonged standing, requiring me to sit down in order to find relief. I maintain a healthy weight, so that isn’t a contributing factor. To alleviate the pain temporarily at work, I often have to massage my knees, and applying firm pressure can help, but only for the duration it’s applied; as soon as I release, the pain returns. There’s no visible swelling, and the only issue I’m dealing with is this constant aching. Reflecting back, I suspect this issue may be related to a partial LCL tear in my right knee from three years ago, which I left to heal naturally. At that time, the injury made it difficult to put pressure on my leg, often causing it to give way unexpectedly, but eventually, the pain diminished. Now, however, I am facing a resurgence of discomfort, which can affect one or both knees simultaneously. This experience has reached a peak of severity, and I’m eager to find solutions or insights into what might be causing this problem. Has anyone else dealt with something similar, or can anyone offer advice on how to address it?
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 2:01:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with persistent knee discomfort that's causing a significant impact on your daily life, especially during prolonged standing. Based on your description, it seems like the pain may be linked to several factors, possibly including residual effects from your previous LCL injury or overuse. Let's break this down further and focus on actionable steps to help you manage your discomfort.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Pain Characteristics: The deep aching pain in your knees, especially aggravated by standing and relieved by sitting, could indicate tendinopathy or overuse, particularly of the patellar tendon.
- Previous Injury: Given your history of an LCL injury, it’s possible that there may have been some underlying instability or weakness that has resurfaced, contributing to your current discomfort.
Immediate Steps to Consider:
-
Rest and Modification of Activities: To prevent further irritation, try to limit activities that exacerbate your knee pain. Walking or standing should be alternated with periods of rest.
-
Ice Application: Apply ice packs to your knees for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activities that increase pain. This can help reduce any inflammation that may not be immediately visible.
-
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Start incorporating low-impact stretching for your quadriceps, hamstrings, and IT band, along with strengthening exercises for the muscles around your knee (like the quadriceps and hamstrings). Focus on exercises that do not cause pain, such as straight leg raises or quad sets.
Long-term Management:
-
Consider a Rehabilitation Program: If symptoms persist, it may be beneficial to follow a structured rehabilitation program. These programs often include physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stabilizing the knee. A physical therapist can tailor this to your specific needs and history.
-
Footwear and Support: Evaluate your footgear. Wearing supportive shoes can alleviate pressure on your knees. Consider using arch supports or orthotics if you feel they could help, particularly if you have flat feet or high arches.
-
Activity Modification: Gradually incorporate more activity into your routine (e.g., low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling), which can help maintain function without putting too much strain on your knees.
Monitoring Symptoms:
Keep a log of your pain levels, activities, and any relief strategies. This can help you identify patterns and triggers. If your situation does not improve within a few weeks or worsens, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional to reassess your knees and explore imaging if necessary.
Remember, you're not alone in managing this discomfort, and there are ways to alleviate your symptoms. By taking proactive steps now, you can work towards more comfortable movement and function. Let me know if you need further clarification or have specific questions!
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruising and Intense Itching
Hello, I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 135 pounds. Recently, I have been experiencing intense itching that has resulted in significant bruising on my skin. Currently, I’m on several medications including spironolactone (which I haven’t taken for the last two weeks), Effexor, Aimovig, Wegovy, and Linzess. I do not use tobacco or consume alcohol. Apart from experiencing a generally sluggish digestive system, I have no pre-existing health issues. However, my family medical history indicates occurrences of Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s disease, diabetes, and eczema. The itching has become severe, leading to large bruises forming on my body. I consulted a virtual urgent care service, which advised me to visit the emergency room to check for potential blood clots or internal bleeding. Upon arriving at the ER, I underwent various tests, and I noticed that my resting heart rate has been notably elevated between 120 and 140 beats per minute, though I am uncertain if this is a new development. Eventually, I was discharged without any conclusive information, except with the advice to refrain from scratching. I have shared images of the tests conducted during my visit.
Understanding Prednisone Usage and Withdrawal
A 38-year-old woman, measuring 5’10 and weighing 125 pounds, with no smoking or drinking habits and a background of autoimmune disease, encountered a viral infection in December. In response to her condition, a specialist recommended a tapering regimen starting with a 40mg dose of prednisone for five days, followed by a gradual reduction through 30mg, 20mg, and 10mg over a total period of 20 days. After completing the course and halting the medication, she experienced severe symptoms approximately 36 hours later, including intense vomiting, debilitating headaches, and widespread pain throughout her body. Any physical contact provoked discomfort, leaving her in distress. Unable to reach her original provider, she consulted another physician who prescribed a lower dosage of 4mg of prednisone, instructing her to decrease the amount by 1mg every three days. Remarkably, she felt relief upon returning to the 4mg dose. However, she expressed concern regarding the potential effects when she ultimately weans off the medication entirely. She is seeking guidance on whether this method of tapering is typical and which specialist might be best suited to manage her prednisone treatment moving forward.
Recurring Mysterious Rash Every Year, All Tests Negative
Hello everyone! I'm an 18-year-old female, and I don't consume alcohol, smoke, or engage in any recreational drug use. Around the middle of January last year, I noticed a gradual appearance of a rash across my body that escalated into a severe illness after approximately a week and a half of its onset. Currently, I find myself in a similar situation, suggesting that this might be a yearly recurring issue. At the moment, the rash isn't itchy, although I've recently had a mild sore throat. Thankfully, I don't have any other signs of illness right now. Last year, when I was unwell, it was an incredibly challenging experience; I felt extremely weak, had a runny nose, persistent cough, sore throat, and even experienced moments of confusion due to fever. The rash did become itchy once I fell ill. During last year's episode, I sought medical advice and underwent several tests while dealing with the rash. All results came back negative, including tests for mononucleosis. The only positive result was for a common cold. Having received vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella during my childhood (despite having had those diseases), I'm fairly certain this isn't related to any of them, and I believe I tested negative for those as well last year. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you from a financially struggling college student!
Concerns About Abdominal Distension
Hello, I'm a 25-year-old female, weighing approximately 51 kilograms and standing at 155 centimeters tall. I have established allergies to Prospan and certain vitamins, which I actively avoid in my diet. My daily caloric intake is around 2250 kcal, and I supplement my nutrition with B complex vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and D. I do not have any identified food allergies that I know of. I maintain a workout regimen that spans four days each week, followed by a day of rest. However, I’ve noticed a consistent issue where my lower abdomen noticeably swells after each meal. To me, it resembles the growth associated with early to mid-pregnancy, and it seems to occur only in that specific area. This situation is worrying me, and I would greatly appreciate any advice you might be able to provide. I am contemplating visiting a gastroenterologist soon, but I thought I’d ask for perspectives here as well, just in case. Thank you for any insights you can share. Best, 'Not Pregnant, Just Full' girl
Persistent Swelling in Armpits for Over a Decade Without Discomfort
Hello everyone! I’ve been dealing with persistent swelling in my armpits for over ten years now. The swelling is more pronounced on the right side compared to the left. Interestingly, there is no pain associated with it, and both areas are soft to the touch. I don’t have any other health conditions that could be linked to this issue. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this?