6 month knee flare at 23

arthritislg

Hi all I’ve recently been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. I am 23 but had JIA when I was 11 in my right knee however after 2 steroid injections it lay dormant for 12 years however early this year my right knee swelled up again. I’ve had 2 steroid injections (one in the knee and a higher dose in my arm to circulate my whole body) i have also been on oral steroids for 2 months with absolutely no movement on the swelling (although it has helped with the pain) I’ve been put on methotrexate and have been taking it for 4 weeks now and still no movement on the swelling - I just wondered if anyone has had a similar experience as I worry about permanent damage to my knee joint. Being young this has hit me quite hard and i’ve had to cancel going to festivals/ holidays and have really struggled with fatigue at work. Guess i’m just asking for anyone with a similar experience with steroid resistance and swelling/ some confidence that it won’t be swollen forever lol.

Thanks all!

Naomi33

Morning @arthritislg and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about your inflammatory arthritis diagnosis and swelling of knee.

I personally had swelling originally but with exercise and medication it calmed down, however does flare up on occasion. I used to take photos and kept a diary to show them as proof on my appointments as inevitably it would not always be swollen on my appointments.

Have you discussed with your doctor/consultant ??

The following link maybe of interest..

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-knees/

I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33