Bumps on Outer Knee: Seeking Insights
Height: 6’2", Weight: 140 pounds I have developed two small, pea-sized bumps located on the outer side of my left knee, just above the kneecap. They become visible when my knee is fully flexed, pushing slightly against my skin. Lately, I've been experiencing a persistent ache and a burning sensation in the same region of my left leg. As a UPS employee, I often utilize my left leg to step down from the truck, balancing on the last step while my right foot is on the ground, and my body is angled toward the front of the vehicle. I share this context because imitating that movement led me to suspect it may have contributed to my condition over time. When my knee is bent, I can sense the pressure on the outer part where the bumps appear. Over the years, there have been occasional instances when I felt a strange ripping sensation in the same area; it was as if a part of my knee joint was on the verge of breaking through the surface of my skin—but without any accompanying pain, just an unsettling feeling. Applying pressure to these bumps results in a tingling sensation at the point of contact, which varies in intensity at different times. Reflecting back, during my initial days at work, I wore cheap shoes from Walmart that caused severe knee pain after just three days of use, though the specifics are a bit hazy. I can’t help but wonder whether that might have caused some lasting damage which went unnoticed. Throughout the years, I've dealt with intermittent issues related to the same knee; it was mostly characterized by sensations of pain, weakness, and instability that would typically resolve with the aid of a knee sleeve. However, this latest development has introduced ongoing discomfort that persists even when I’m off the clock. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday, but I wanted to reach out and see if anyone else has faced similar experiences.
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 2:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some concerning symptoms related to your knee, including bumps, persistent ache, and a burning sensation. Given your physical work environment and previous knee issues, it's understandable to seek insights into what might be happening.
Main Points:
- Bumps on the Knee: These could be related to various conditions such as bursitis, cysts, or even changes in the tissue around the joint.
- Pain and Sensations: The aching and burning sensations may stem from previous injuries or ongoing stress from your work activities.
- Action Steps Before Your Appointment: Focus on managing discomfort and monitoring symptoms until your doctor visit.
Explanation:
The bumps you describe could be caused by several factors, including:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) can create swelling and tenderness.
- Cysts: These can develop in response to irritation or inflammation and could cause pressure symptoms.
- Tendon issues: Ongoing repetitive motion or strain can lead to tendon problems or other changes in the knee joint.
The tingling sensation and previous experiences of weird sensations might indicate nerve involvement or simply the irritation of surrounding tissue due to pressure or friction from your job.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Rest and Modify Activity: Minimize activities that require bending or putting pressure on your knee, especially tasks that may aggravate your symptoms.
- Ice the Area: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Supportive Measures: If you have a knee sleeve, continue to use it for additional support, particularly when you need to be active.
- Symptom Diary: Keep a note of any changes in your symptoms, such as changes in pain intensity or new sensations. This will be helpful for your doctor.
- Footwear Check: You mentioned past issues with cheap shoes. Ensure you wear supportive, well-fitting shoes, particularly for work, to reduce stress on your knees.
While it's good to seek insights online, your upcoming doctor's appointment is essential for a proper examination and diagnosis. Share all your symptoms and concerns thoroughly. If any new symptoms arise, or if the pain significantly worsens, you should seek immediate medical attention. Your comfort and recovery are important, so take care of yourself until you can consult with your doctor.
Related Questions
Strange Thumb Infection: Expert Consultation Needed
I am a 59-year-old male, generally in good health, weighing 170 pounds and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Although my BMI could be considered unfavorable, my build is muscular. I maintain a rigorous exercise routine, swimming briskly for about 75 minutes no less than four times weekly. In terms of medications, I take Rosuvastatin; this month, my pharmacy switched my prescription to much smaller tablets compared to the previous ones. Additionally, I regularly consume vitamins D, E, B12, B9, Biotin, CoQ10, and magnesium every evening before bed, along with daily creatine in the middle of the morning. Over five decades ago, during my childhood, I experienced cold sores on my thumb. These later shifted to my upper lip and left nostril, a transition that prompted a change in how I managed them. Through the use of antiviral medications, I was able to effectively minimize both the frequency and severity of future outbreaks. Fortunately, for the last five years, I have avoided the necessity for antivirals, with no significant breakouts occurring—just mild symptoms that usually fade after a brief buildup. Currently, however, I am dealing with a puzzling situation—this issue has resurfaced on my thumb. It has persisted for a month without progressing to a typical breakout or subsiding. Based on my past experience with HSV, I would expect to see a few days of buildup followed by one or more fluid-filled blisters before they start healing. In this instance, it has remained at the same stage for several weeks. Notably, it causes discomfort when I flex my thumb or apply pressure to it. I'm out of antivirals, so I need to consult a medical professional to discuss my condition and possibly get a new prescription. Could this issue be originating from deeper layers below the skin, preventing it from manifesting on the surface? In the meantime, I am taking precautions by refraining from physical contact with people using my affected thumb, considering the potential for contagion. I am uncertain whether to consult a hand specialist, a dermatologist, or someone with expertise in virology.
Understanding a Positive ANA Test: Seeking Clarity
Hello everyone, I wanted to share my situation regarding some recent blood tests I underwent at my doctor's office. For some time, I’ve been dealing with significant anxiety, muscle tightness, sensitivity to heat, and issues when standing, among various other symptoms. My physician decided to conduct a thorough autoimmune assessment, and the results revealed that my ANA test has returned a high positive result of 1:80. The pattern indicated was nuclear homogeneous, and the report mentioned its connection to conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus, and juvenile arthritis. As a 30-year-old woman, I find this quite concerning, especially since all my other blood tests came back normal. I’ve also undergone a range of tests, including an ultrasound of my organs, and everything seems to be functioning well, including my thyroid. Before I can discuss these results in detail with my doctor, I would appreciate it if someone could help me understand what these findings might imply. Thanks for your assistance!
What's Behind My Childhood Leg Pain?
From my early years, I’ve experienced mysterious leg pain that can affect either one leg, the other, or both at different times. This discomfort can last anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day. I often describe the sensation as akin to intense menstrual cramps. The pain might be concentrated around my knee or sometimes radiate throughout my entire leg. The only remedy I’ve found that temporarily soothes the ache is the application of a warm compress; however, the relief is short-lived, as the pain tends to reemerge shortly after the heat dissipates. During my childhood, we attributed these episodes to growth spurts, but now that I’m 16 and haven't experienced height increases in several years, I’m left wondering why this persistent pain continues. Can anyone offer insight into the reasons behind this ongoing discomfort?
Could This Be a Spider Bite?
I'm a 25-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 115 pounds. After waking up, I noticed significant pain and intense itching on my finger, accompanied by a slight swelling. It almost resembles a burn, but I'm unsure of its origin. The unusual mark was not present when I went to sleep, which leads me to wonder if I might have been bitten by a spider during the night.
Should I Make Another Trip to the Emergency Room?
A 19-year-old female, measuring 5'8" and of average weight, has not been on hormonal birth control. Her menstruation began on August 18, and she has been experiencing significant blood loss, characterized by large clots and the necessity of changing "night pads" every 3-4 hours—well within the typical capacity, as regular pads last about 2 hours on average. At times, the bleeding temporarily eases to a more moderate level. For relief, she has been using ibuprofen and recently followed a regimen of tranexamic acid, taking 500mg three times daily from August 28 to 30. Previously, she endured an episode of bleeding that persisted for a month (from December 10 to January 8). That situation had become severe enough to cause dizziness, prompting a visit to urgent care. During that visit, tranexamic acid was prescribed, although it did not completely halt the bleeding. This resulted in a referral to the emergency room, where IV tranexamic acid was administered to manage the situation, and she was discharged with additional oral medication in case of recurrence—hence her possession of tranexamic acid for her current episode. Ultimately, the bleeding subsided, but it remains unclear whether this was due to the medication or if it would have ceased on its own. Following the December/January incident, an internal ultrasound was conducted, which revealed no abnormalities. To date, she has not undergone any hormonal evaluations beyond a standard blood test. Since that early episode, her menstrual cycles have become erratic, occurring every other month and lasting longer than 10 days. She was advised that her cycles would likely normalize eventually, but the heavy bleeding and medication may have disrupted her regular pattern. Now, she finds herself in a situation where the bleeding continues unabated for two weeks, leaving her uncertain about whether she should seek emergency care or return to urgent care. Attempts to schedule an appointment with a general practitioner have been unsuccessful, as the university clinic is unavailable until late September, and their sole suggestion was to consider birth control pills. While she is eager to stop the bleeding, she feels it is crucial to ascertain the underlying cause before resorting to potential treatments. Could this be indicative of a more serious condition?