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Question:
I have been having problems with my right knee for about 4 years. It originally started when I twisted it while going down the stairs. My foot twisted outward and the top of my leg twisted inward. My knee cap shifted over to the outside and stayed there for a while and then painfully slid back. The doctor didnt seem too concerned so I never went back. Problems have persisted over the years and now I'm still having problems with it. The problema are as follows, 1.Sometimes when I bend my knee, my knee cap still slides over and sticks there until my knee is fully bent and then it snaps back. 2.I also hear a popping sound when ever I am going up and down the stairs and I feel a slight burning sensation also. 3.It always gives out when I walk on it for a long time. 4 When I lay on my left side the inside of my knee feels very tight and it is painful to even lift it (I notice this when I am in bed. I feel pain in it almost all the time and while it is not unbearable, it is very uncomfortable. The pain is mostly on the inside of my knee and I have frequent muscle spasms there. Occasionally there is pain on the outside of my knee also. Should I be concerned or should I just go on like I have been? Should I go back to my doctor? He had recommended physical therapy but I only went once. Thank you for your time.
| Dr. Farr |
Dr. Farr is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee and sports medicine. He serves on the board of the Orthopedic Research Foundation and is medical director of www.cartilagerestoration.org and www.myknee.md, where emphasis is on exploring new ways to treat damaged cartilage. Dr. Farr is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
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Answer:
A first time patellar dislocation may often be managed conservatively. Once it is established that the patella dislocates on a regular basis, more focused treatment is considered. At times, therapy, taping and bracing can limit instabilty. For recurrent patellar dislocations not responsive to conservative management there are multiple factors which must be considered when deciding if surgery is the next best option. At present, it would make sense to consult with a knee surgeon as soon as possible.
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