Knee Infection Concerns
Hello, I’m a 28-year-old woman currently on a regimen that includes 40 mg of prednisone and 200 mg of cefpodoxime pro to treat an infection in my knee. Alongside these, I also take 15 mg of oxycodone and Keppa each day. About two weeks ago, I suffered a significant fall which resulted in considerable swelling, prompting my orthopedic specialist to suspect a possible tear. To manage the inflammation leading up to an MRI, I was prescribed a corticosteroid pack. After undergoing the MRI, the results were reassuring, indicating only a minor accumulation of fluid within the joint area. However, even after two weeks, the swelling remains excessive; my knee is still extremely swollen, intensely red, and incredibly warm to the touch. Following an evaluation last Friday, I was referred to the emergency room due to concerns of cellulitis. My white blood cell count registered at 12, but all inflammatory markers appeared normal, a situation my orthopedic doctor attributes to the recent steroid treatment. The prescribed antibiotics have provided some relief, helping to reduce the redness, yet the warmth persists and swelling continues to escalate, accompanied by increasingly severe pain. Ice treatment was initially effective before Friday, but now it seems to have little impact, with pain intensifying even when I apply it. The only reason I hesitate to return to the ER is due to the reduced redness. I have reached out to my orthopedic practice but have yet to receive a timely response. Given my previous experiences with sepsis and a potentially malfunctioning VP shunt, I’m especially cautious as I would like to avoid any emergency brain surgery should the infection spread. Thank you for listening to my concerns. I appreciate any advice or insights you might have about managing this situation better, as it is quite distressing.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 12:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a complex and challenging situation with your knee infection and the associated symptoms. It's important to take your concerns seriously, especially given your history and current treatment regimen. Here’s a structured approach to help you manage this situation:
Main Points:
- Persistent swelling, redness, and warmth in your knee raise concerns for infection.
- The combination of steroid use and prior health conditions requires cautious management.
- Immediate actions are needed if symptoms worsen.
Explanation:
Given your current condition, the continued swelling, warmth, and intense pain in your knee could indicate an ongoing infection or inflammatory response, despite some improvement in redness. Corticosteroids like prednisone can suppress the immune response and might mask severe symptoms through their anti-inflammatory effects, making it tricky to assess the situation fully.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you notice any increase in pain, spreading redness, or new symptoms (like fever or increased swelling), it's essential to seek medical help immediately.
-
Pain Management:
- Since ice treatment has become less effective, consider taking your prescribed pain medication (oxycodone) as directed while ensuring you follow up on proper timing and dosages. Discuss alternatives with your doctor if pain persists.
-
Rest and Elevation:
- Minimize movement of your knee to give it time to heal. Elevate your leg when possible to reduce swelling.
-
Hydration and Nutrition:
- Stay well-hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support your immune system during this recovery period.
-
Communicate with Healthcare Providers:
- If you don’t hear back from your orthopedic practice soon and your symptoms are concerning, consider reaching out to them again or visiting urgent care for assessment. Do not hesitate to express your worries, especially regarding your past medical conditions.
-
Document Everything:
- Keep a record of your symptoms, treatments, and any changes you notice. This information is valuable for your healthcare providers to tailor your treatment effectively.
Remember, your situation is unique, and personalized care is crucial, especially with your medical history. Stay vigilant and proactive regarding your health, and don’t hesitate to seek immediate help if your symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Cardiac Procedure and Medication Denial
Subject Details: - Age: 44 - Gender: Male - Height: 5 feet 11 inches - Weight: 240 pounds - Ethnicity: Caucasian - Duration of Symptoms: Ongoing - Location: New York - Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Kidney failure, Stenosis of the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery - Current Medication: Norvasc 10mg I am set to undergo a cardiac catheterization tomorrow. Unfortunately, my physician has denied me pain relief, insisting on prescribing NSAIDs and Tylenol even though I have documented allergies to these medications. Instead of acknowledging my discomfort, he implies that I may be seeking drugs. To clarify, I am not, nor have I ever been, involved in drug-seeking behavior, and it is deeply distressing to be treated in this manner. Moreover, the doctor stated that it’s against the law to insert a stent if the blockage is below 70%. I’m seeking clarification on this policy. His demeanor was quite abrasive, yet given his position as the head of the cardiology unit, I feel powerless to address this behavior. When I inquired about his reasoning, he ominously suggested that he might cancel my procedure, which is critical for assessing the severity of my LAD stenosis. I would greatly appreciate any support or advice regarding this situation. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.
Relieving the Sensation of a Lump in the Throat and Persistent Cough After a Cold
At 26 years old, I've recently faced a bout of illness that spanned from January 25 until around February 2. Initially, it was a severe sore throat, followed by a runny nose and then a feeling of congestion. After a brief period of feeling better, I encountered another setback. On February 10, I experienced another intense sore throat lasting three days, which evolved into an annoying sensation of a lump in my throat, accompanied by a persistent dry cough. This situation is frustrating. I’m unsure about visiting Urgent Care, as it seems excessive, yet I find myself limited to just tea and water for relief. The sensation in my throat feels centralized, and today I decided to start taking Mucinex, planning to continue with it for a day or two to see if it alleviates my symptoms. I wonder if this lump in my throat might stem from irritation caused by the dry cough. Finding a method to quell this dry cough feels challenging. Also worth noting, I am not taking any other medications at the moment. Interestingly, I've never been ill right after recovering from a cold before; this feels like an unusual situation. I suspect that my lack of proper nutrition during my cold might have compromised my immune system, contributing to this recurrence.
Experiences with Mono and Shingles: Seeking Insights
32-year-old female, currently not on any medication, standing at 5'2" and weighing 151 lbs. I am reaching out to see if anyone else has had similar health experiences. It all began on January 14, when I developed a severe sore throat accompanied by extreme tiredness and significant sinus congestion, including a persistent cough. After a few days, I had moments of improvement, only for the symptoms to return shortly after. This cycle of feeling better, then worse, continued for roughly two and a half weeks. Not long after I started to feel a bit more like myself, I noticed two small red spots on my neck. A few days later, many lymph nodes in that area became noticeably swollen. My doctor suspected that it might be shingles, although wasn’t entirely certain. A subsequent blood test confirmed that I had mono. However, I was informed that shingles could lead to a positive mono test due to normal findings from my other blood tests. The recommendation was to take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities for a couple of weeks. Has anyone else experienced something like this? There’s still uncertainty about my condition. Thankfully, the swelling in my lymph nodes is decreasing, and my fatigue is slowly diminishing. Aside from that, I am feeling quite well. I have a flight booked in two weeks, and I’m curious—can the spleen remain swollen for over a month? The thought of not being active for several more weeks feels daunting!
36F – Worrying Over “Low Antibody Area” on SPEP, Referred to Internal Medicine – Is This a Cause for Alarm?
Age: 37 years Height: 5 feet 8.5 inches Weight: 230 pounds Main issue: Anxiety regarding the “low antibody area” indicated on SPEP. Duration: Received lab results this month; symptoms have persisted for several years. Current health concerns: Undergoing evaluations for potential connective tissue or autoimmune disorders. Non-smoker, consumes alcohol minimally. Hello everyone, I am reaching out to gain some insights while I await my internal medicine appointment, which is scheduled three months from now. I am not seeking a diagnosis but rather wish to clarify whether my situation should be taken seriously. Here’s what I’m experiencing… I have struggled with persistent symptoms for the past five years, including chronic discomfort in my back and ribs, extreme fatigue, anemia, occasional shortness of breath, tingling sensations down my left shoulder, ongoing muscle tension, hair loss, facial rashes and flushing, dysautonomia, and more. I underwent a comprehensive evaluation by a rheumatologist, who found my ANA test to be negative and the ENA test results to be “below positive cutoff.” My inflammatory markers have been steadily increasing year after year, with my CRP at 33.5 and ESR at 45 during the latest checks. Recently, my rheumatologist discharged me and referred me to internal medicine after identifying a “possible low antibody region” on my SPEP, along with elevated beta 2 and C3 levels. Although there was no discernible m-spike, it was mentioned that 8% of monoclonal protein could potentially be undetected. The low antibody region comment was conveyed to me in a private message rather than prominently highlighted in the lab report I received. I was informed that further assessment is required, yet no additional details were given. I have not completed a 24-hour urine test, and I don't believe calcium levels have been checked recently. My kidney function appears normal based on blood work and urinalysis, with the only abnormal finding being the presence of crystals. I feel uneasy because my research indicates that low antibody regions in SPEP could be linked to plasma cell disorders; however, I've also learned that there are various other benign and autoimmune-related causes. The years of unclarified symptoms and scarce communication have made this uncertainty particularly daunting for me right now. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Exploring Direct Pars Repair: A Case of Bilateral Pars Defect and Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis in a Runner
Hello everyone! I'm a 23-year-old female marathon runner with a personal best of 2:57. Currently, I'm grappling with a non-union bilateral pars defect along with Grade 1 spondylolisthesis, and I have a pressing inquiry regarding direct pars repair. I've come across accounts of fellow athletes undergoing this procedure, however, I've found that no local specialists in my area offer it. I'm seeking insights from anyone with medical expertise to help clarify whether pursuing this option would be advisable. My primary goal isn't necessarily to resume competitive running, but rather to achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Recently, I consulted with a sports medicine physician who recommended that I step back from running—an outcome I had anticipated. She indicated that the injury would need to be monitored over the years to evaluate its progression. I learned that the fracture is chronic in nature, making spontaneous healing unlikely. At present, I'm engaged in physical therapy to enhance my core strength and also receiving massage therapy to address persistent muscle spasms and tightness. Unfortunately, I originally injured myself in September 2025, and I'm not observing significant progress. Naturally, my aversion to surgical fusion is high, and I'm eager to prevent any deterioration of my condition. Navigating this injury has proven to be quite challenging, and it's difficult to find a clear direction moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to read!