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Question:
I exercise race horses which is very stressfull on the knees. About 5 years ago, at the age of 19, I had the patella alta surgery done on each knee. I haven't had a problem with my knees until now.
Recently I have been experiencing a pain with my left knee cap. Every time it is touched it is painfull. Even just the pressure of my pants when I bend my legs causes pain. If I lay on my stomach with my knee face down there is pain. It almost feels like someone hit my knee with a hammer. There is no bruising or swelling. I don't feel any popping or grinding.
The tendon leading down to the knee cap feels stressed, as well as the muscles in the back of my leg. But I am not sure how that would cause my knee cap to be so painfull.
I know that I haven't bumped my knee into anything that would cause such pain.
I am just interested in learning what could cause such a pain.
Thank you
Question submitted by:
Erika Bright - eabright@earthlink.net
| Dr. Golden |
Dr. Golden is an orthopedic surgeon and the author of the "Knee Pain" chapter in the upcoming "Manual of Pain Management". He has presented numerous scientific studies at orthopedic conferences. In addition, Dr. Golden is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS),the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
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Answer:
The patella, or kneecap, is sensitive to changes in the muscles and soft tissues around it. You have had surgery before and describe doing well until now. The sensitivity you describe is not common. It is not simple to diagnose kneecap pain when there has been a previous surgery.
Changes in the cartilage can cause pain as can muscle injury and abnormal alignment of the patella. Starting with anti-inflammatory medication may be a good start and if helpful, may indicate an inflammatory condition. Rest, ice and avoiding inciting activities is the mainstay until you can see your doctor. Such sensitivity to touch should be seen by your doctor.
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