Pain relief

david24691

Hi,

This is my first post. My knee arthritis pain has got a lot worse in the last 6 months. I was prescribed Naproxen by my GP. I have also been given an injection by an orthopedic consultant. Neither of which seem to have made much difference.

I'm wondering who I should go back to for advice on what to try next. Should I go back to the GP or pay out to see the consultant again or should I ask my physiotherapist?

Thanks,

David

MaryL44

Hello @david24691  and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I'm sorry to hear that you are in pain. In terms of who you should go back to, my understanding is that any involvement by a specialist/consultant requires a referral from your GP - unless you do pay a consultant. My experience was: - I was referred by my GP; then saw a consultant; then had an xray which showed the arthritis and then had a knee replacement. This was about 5 years ago so I'm not sure if the procedure has changed - also I think it is different in different parts of the country. However your GP is your primary carer so I feel you should bend their ear!!

Our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

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

Also, our community members will have vast experience so keep checking back here for their responses.

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

Best wishes

Mary

david24691

Thank you for your response Mary. In my case, the GP referred me to a physiotherapists and they diagnosed it as Hoffa's fat pad syndrome. They gave me exercises and later got me to attend gym sessions which I think aggravated the issue and made it worse. I had a bad pain when using the leg extension machine.

The physio didn't seem to know what was wrong with me after that so I lost confidence in them.

I paid to see a consultant and they did x-rays. He explained I have a fair bit of wear and tear and now have arthritis. He said if I was old enough, we would have been discussing knee replacement surgery soon, but I am only 48.

Obviously this has worried me immensely and I have taken all of his advice on-board, but I am still suffering with pain and I am having trouble walking.

I will go back to the GP like you said. Thanks again,

David

MaryL44

Hi David,

You're welcome. Since I've been on this forum I've learnt a lot about dealing with our ailments but, probably, the biggest thing I've learnt is that everyone is different and all our experiences are different. And I've never heard of Hoffa's fat pad syndrome!

I would definitely advise going back to your GP and explain clearly how you are feeling and what's happened so far. I'm at my GPs so often they'll probably give me a seat of my own in the waiting room!

Good luck

Mary