Waiting to see specialists

Sarah_Gee

Hi, a few weeks ago my right knee became swollen and I could not walk. After MRI and tests I know there’s damage to meniscus, areas of missing cartilage and bone edema with no signs of gout or rheumatoid arthritis to I am now waiting to see orthopaedic surgeon but no diagnosis yet. Over the last couple of nights my left knee has started swelling and is also hard to walk on. So now pretty sure it’s possibly some other form of arthritis. I will ask GP for a referral to rheumatologist when I see them on Tuesday but just not sure if I should rest with legs up or try to walk on it to stop it stiffening more?

PeterJ

Hello @Sarah_Gee and welcome to the community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that you will find that as well.

I understand that you are wondering if you have rheumatoid arthritis and are waiting to see your GP and a rheumatologist. Have you had a look around our website as it contains a lot of information about arthritis, treatments and hints and tips? I would recommend having a look, to help I've put a couple of links in below.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/

Please do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their thoughts and experiences as well

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

stickywicket

I'd say a bit of both. Exercise, rest and elevate. It does sound, to me, like OA and, from hat you've said, I'd be surprised if the GP wanted to refer you to a rheumatologist unless autoimmune diseases run in your family. I have both RA and OA. I find the worst we can do is nothing so why not try these knee exercises https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/23182/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee-exercises.pdf Start gently with just a few repetitions. Literally 2 or 3 but a few times a day. Build up slowly. If the pain is worse still, half an hour after you finish, cut out whichever one seems to be the offender. Meanwhile, go gently with other things. Pace yourself with the daily routine of housework (or whatever work you do). Good luck!

Sarah_Gee

Thank you. I will try these exercises and see how I go. I have type 1 diabetes so have another autoimmune disease myself. I do not think it’s rheumatoid arthritis but think it may be psoriatic arthritis as I’ve had other signs of psoriasis in past. I’ll have to wait for the doctors to finish their investigations before I know for sure.

Sarah_Gee