Struggling with Knee Issues: Seeking Insight
I’m a 16-year-old male, standing at 5'3.5" and identify as Caucasian. For as long as I can remember, I’ve battled with painful knee dislocations that seem to happen randomly, often resulting in falls. My first visit to the doctor occurred in seventh grade, and I was informed that my patella is excessively thin, leading to instability in my kneecaps. Although both knees face the same issue, only my right knee was causing me distress at that time. Though I was around 11 or 12 when I got this diagnosis, the details were not fully communicated to me; I heard most of it through my mother. I was prescribed physical therapy and given knee braces, yet none have provided significant relief. At the start of eighth grade, my left kneecap began to dislocate as well, rendering me unable to walk comfortably for several days. Since then, my left knee has become just as problematic as the right. Currently, my pain levels are higher than ever, even with simple movements that were previously manageable. Recently, I suggested to my mother that I might benefit from using a cane, but she was quick to dismiss the idea, claiming it would only weaken my knees further instead of helping them grow stronger. I’ve attempted to persuade her into allowing me to consult with my doctor about it, but she remains unconvinced. Her concerns revolve around potential bullying at school and the possibility of further weakening my knees. I’m scheduled for surgery on both knees soon, but I’m unclear about what the procedure entails. I apologize for not providing more details; as a child, I wasn’t included in discussions about my condition, so I can only share my personal experiences and how they impact my daily life. I have some questions that I hope can be addressed: 1. Would utilizing a cane truly diminish the strength in my knees as my mother claims? 2. What type of surgery might be performed based on my description? What would it involve, and could it actually improve my situation? 3. Would returning to a regimen of exercises help strengthen my knees, or is that not advisable? 4. Am I overreacting by fearing that I will lose more mobility in my knees and be unable to engage in activities I enjoy? I apologize for any grammatical errors or typos in my writing; it’s not my strong suit.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 12:40:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about your knee issues, especially with the pain and changes you've been experiencing. Let’s address your questions one by one to help provide a clearer picture:
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Using a Cane:
- A cane can be beneficial in providing stability and reducing pressure on your knees, especially during painful moments. Contrary to your mother's concerns, using a cane does not weaken the knees; instead, it helps you manage pain and may allow you to continue to engage in activities while your condition is managed. It gives you extra support, which can prevent falls and further injuries.
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Potential Surgery:
- Considering your symptoms of knee dislocations and the previous diagnosis of thin patellae (kneecaps), the surgery could involve stabilizing your kneecaps through procedures like lateral release or MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) reconstruction. The goal of these surgeries is to correct alignment, minimize dislocations, and ultimately reduce pain. Post-surgery, many patients find improvement in their knee stability and function, which could positively impact your daily activities.
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Exercise Regimen:
- It's usually recommended to strengthen the muscles around your knees, as stronger muscles can help support the joint better. However, this should be done carefully and preferably under the guidance of a physical therapist who understands your specific condition. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling may be beneficial and less stressful on your knees.
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Fears of Losing Mobility:
- It's completely normal to worry about potential mobility loss, especially when dealing with the challenges you've described. However, with appropriate treatment (like surgery and a tailored rehabilitation program) and by listening to your body, many individuals experience improvements in mobility and pain management. Engaging in discussions with your doctor about your fears and goals is important. You are not overreacting; your pain and discomfort are valid concerns.
Next Steps:
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Open a Dialogue: Talk again with your mother about your desire to use a cane, emphasizing how it can help you maintain your independence and activity levels.
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Prepare for Surgery: Request to have a detailed conversation with your doctor about your upcoming surgery. Ask for clear explanations about the procedure and expected recovery.
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Physical Therapy: After surgery, prioritize seeking physical therapy to learn safe exercises aimed at strengthening your knees while facilitating recovery.
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Keep a Diary: Track your symptoms, concerns, and activities to share with your medical team. This will help them understand your experience and guide your treatment more effectively.
Please know that feeling anxious about your knees and their impact on your life is entirely reasonable. You deserve to live without the constant worry of pain and instability. Focusing on your options, including effective management strategies, will help you move forward in a positive way.
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