Knee Problem

[Eve]

The pain is at the front of the knee but down, not on the main front of the kneecap but a bit further down to the right a bit (left knee).

They have been feeling a bit weak and not very stable though my left knee in particular has got a lot worse, really bad pain on certain movement, problems walking and giving way when walking.

The worst pain seems to be if I have squatted down and bent my knees (getting something off a low shelf or the floor), when I go to straighten up I get a horrible shooting pain with instability too.

I have been trying to reach things without bending my knees, bending from the waist or cantilever style which isn't ideal.

Is this a usual rheumatoid arthritis type problem? If so I'll mention it to rheumatology again when I see them next though if it's not likely to be the arthritis I'm getting to the point where I need it checking out somehow as the left one is causing big problems as already have mobility issues with problems with my hips and feet.

[Sqad]

\\\\Is this a usual rheumatoid arthritis type problem? \\\

That is what my money is on, but it could be due to non rheumatic factors.

mention it to your rheumatologist and he may suggest an MRI scan.

[Eve]

Thanks sqad, urgh it seems to be spreading all over the place!

Am hoping the injectable methotrexate kicks in soon - I has helped my hands a bit (the tablets, only been on injections a couple of weeks) but my rhumo (a she ;)) isn't happy and thinks it's still not in control generally.

They are looking at the biologics once settled on the injections.

Don't see her til June though see my nurse in a few weeks so will mention it then, see if she can help. I'm worried it will get harder to put any weight on it when I'm struggling walking anyway and would find it difficult with more of a crutch with impingement I have in both shoulders.

[bednobs]

hello, my experience has been that everyone with RA is very different. I have had problems with my knees with RA, and can't remember the last time i was able to squat or kneel anyway!
I have had both knees replaced in the last few years, but remember a huge amount of pain and stiffness beforehand

[Eve]

Thanks bednobs, there is definitely stiffness which I had down to the RA.

I'm finding it really difficult to get down anyway, mainly at work having to get files and such though hopefully after my OH report finally comes through that won't be a problem any more (had manager issues recently after a change of manager!).

I can't kneel (have to sit on the floor). Have developed a cantilever type approach to getting stuff at work (got a grabber at home) though OH lady said I shouldn't be doing that and shouldn't be made to get things off low (or high) shelves etc... She also said I shouldn't be doing other things I've been made to do, despite me telling manager it aggravates conditions, causes me a lot of pain and sets of flares but feel like I've been hitting a brick wall so can't wait for that report to come through!

[bednobs]

you work for the NHS don't you? they are notoriously bad at looking after each other :)

[Eve]

Nope but still public sector and I know what you mean :) If you still have your throwaway email address I'll email you where.

[jazzie07]

Rheumatoid arthritis have similar symptoms to other diseases that's why it is hard to tell whether you have RA or not. Diagnosed with rheumatoid
arthritis? You may qualify http://www.sirroundprogram.com