Waiting for diagnosis

Crablet

Hi, I have lived with a weakness and occasional pain in one knee for the past 25 years. Over the last 6 months it has become increasingly difficult to get out of the bath, stiff in mornings, get up off the floor etc. 2 weeks ago it suddenly became very painful, couldn’t bare weight on it and was hobbling about in pain. Dr said thought arthritis and ordered xray. Had to wait a week to go for xray and up to 3 weeks for results, currently at end of week 1.
My pain and lack of mobility is so bad I have had to get signed time off work, ( I work in a primary school) I can’t walk more than a few steps before pain is too bad, I am worried I could be making something worse if I try. Its s horrible bone pain I have never experienced before. Making sure to keep gentle moving about the house but anything more is exhausting.

Is this normal? I have read about flare ups but this is week 3!
Thanks

helpline_team

Hello @Crablet and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience too.

I am sorry to hear about the increased pain and stiffness you are experiencing in your knee which is affecting your mobility and daily activities. You mention that you are off sick from work. Pain and reduced mobility can drag you down and feel very debilitating.

It is good that you went to see your GP and had an X-ray done. It sounds as if the GP thinks you may have arthritis in your knee, probably osteoarthritis (OA) which would be confirmed on X-ray. It is very frustrating that you have to wait 3 weeks for the result when you are experiencing so much pain.

Everyone's experience of pain is very individual. The pain of arthritis in a flare up can be quite severe. There are things you can do to help. NSAID gels such as Ibuprofen and Voltarol may help to reduce the number of pain tablets you are taking. Heat or cold may help too. Referral to a physiotherapist or the musculoskeletal service (MSK) may be worth considering. If the osteoarthritis is more advanced, it may help to be referred to an orthopaedic specialist.

The right kind of exercise can help you to move more easily and be in less pain. Muscle strengthening exercises will help to increase joint stability. Pacing yourself and balancing activity with rest is also important so that you don't overdo it and aggravate your symptoms. Eating a healthy balanced diet and keeping a healthy weight will help to put less strain on your joints.

If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is a supportive space where you can ask questions and share experiences with others. You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm, if you would like to talk things through informally and in confidence.

I hope you will find the information given below of some help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/knee-pain/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes,

Fiona, Helpline Advisor

Crablet

Thank you Fiona, its been very stressful ,I appreciate your kind words.