problems with left hip/leg/knee

[mummikub]

3 years ago i injured my left knee (on the dodgems of all things)
had an xray at the time to be told that the knee was too swollen to see
Put up with the pain as my docs didn't seem too bothered, as if they thought i was making it up
Had another x ray about 12 months ago after complaining to the docs, but nothing wrong was found.
Following this i can't seem to do much on that leg (climbing stairs too often, running is a no no)
Last year not long after the xray i managed to pull my hamstring at the back of my thigh ( diagnosed by a doctor), even though i wasn't exactly doing anything strenous
Now i seem to be having problems with my hip also, one example is last saturday i turned over in bed and i felt my hip 'pull' with a really nasty pain and since then the hip keeps pulling when i twist certain ways or stretch/bend.
My knee is better than 12 months ago, i thought i was actually starting to get back to (almost) normal but then the hip starts, i really give up!

Has anyone got any ideas as to what could be wrong?
It is starting to get on my nerves now, wondering why its happening.

[4me2]

It sounds to me like your doctors are shit.

Theres obviously something wrong with your knee so insist on seeing a knee specalist .

Dont be fobbed off with some 3rd world incompetent making up the numbers Doctor .

I strongly suspect your hip problems are related to your knee problem ie you are transfering the weight from your bad knee onto the healthy . Over time you probably arent even aware that you are doing this any more but it could lead to overworking your hip and early wear and tear on it over time.

Ive had two knee operations myself so I can get where you are coming from .

Knee pains are every bit as bloody painful as tooth ache.

What you need I think is called an arthrescope as you could have tiny bone splinters floating around in your knee from your accident. Shit like that is very hard to see using Xrays.

http://www.answers.com/topic/arthroscopy




Arthroscopy

General information <TABLE width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="25%">Where It's Done</TD><TD width="25%">Who Does It</TD><TD width="25%">How Long It Takes</TD><TD width="25%">Discomfort/Pain</TD></TR><TR><TD width="25%">Doctor's office or hospital.</TD><TD width="25%">Orthopedic surgeon, assisted by anesthesiologist and nurses.</TD><TD width="25%">30-40 minutes for diagnosis; additional hour for repair.</TD><TD width="25%">Minor.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="25%">Results Ready When</TD><TD width="25%">Special Equipment</TD><TD width="25%">Risks/Complications</TD><TD width="25%">Average Cost</TD></TR><TR><TD width="25%">Immediately.</TD><TD width="25%">2 mm arthroscope, micro TV equipment, and special tables.</TD><TD width="25%">Pain and possibility of infection or joint damage.</TD><TD width="25%">$$-$$$ (Cost varies depending on joint examined and whether therapy is added.)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Other names Office arthroscopy, or knee endoscopy (if performed on the knee).
Purpose

• To observe the interior of a joint (primarily the knee, but also the shoulder, ankle, or elbow).
• To irrigate the joint with salt water if the fluid in the joint is causing irritation or discomfort.
• To obtain a biopsy to aid in diagnosing infections, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or collagen disorders (those that affect the connective tissue).
• To surgically repair the menisci (knee cartilage), ligaments, or tendons.
• To remove loose growths in the elbow (osteophytes) or in the ankle (osteochondral lesions).

How it works A thin fiber-optic tube is inserted directly into the joint (see figure).
<CENTER>FIGURE Arthroscopy</CENTER><CENTER>A fiber-optic viewing tube is inserted directly into the joint, allowing a doctor to examine its interior by using special magnifying devices. During arthroscopy, other procedures, including collection of tissue samples and surgical repair, can be carried out.
</CENTER><CENTER>
</CENTER>Preparation

• You may be asked to fast the morning of the test.
• You undress and don a surgical gown.
• You lie down on a special table, and the area to be examined is cleaned, prepped, and locally anesthetized. For some procedures, you may receive general anesthesia.
• You may receive a sedative before the procedure to help you relax.

Test procedure

• The doctor inserts a fiber-optic tube directly into the joint.
• The doctor inspects the entire joint through direct visualization and with a microscopic camera.

After the test

• You rest and recover from the anesthesia and any additional sedation.
• Your joint may be wrapped in elastic bandages or, for a shoulder or elbow, your arm placed in a sling.
• You must be driven home if you had general anesthesia.
• Your activity is restricted for at least one to two days, longer if surgery was involved.
• You will probably experience some pain and swelling for the next week.
• You should notify your doctor if you see significant swelling (indicating internal bleeding) or signs of infection, such as fever, or redness or pus at the incision site.

Factors affecting results

• If you are unable to relax and lie still, the physician will have trouble seeing the structures of the joint.
• Heavy bleeding can obstruct the view.

Interpretation A specially trained doctor compares your joint to a normal joint and makes recommendations for further diagnostic testing or treatment such as reconstructive ligament surgery or cartilage repair or removal.
Advantages

• It's an outpatient procedure.
• It provides immediate diagnostic information.
• It makes it possible to obtain biopsy samples.
• It's less invasive than open surgery.

Disadvantages

• It's invasive.
• It's more expensive than some noninvasive tests, such as MRI.
• It does not always allow for treatment (which may require more arthroscopy).
• There is a risk of infection and joint damage.
• It can't detect problems in surrounding bones and ligaments as MRI can.

The next step
Additional diagnostic tests, such as arthrography with CT scan, or treatment, such as reconstructive ligament surgery or cartilage repair or removal.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name "office arthroscopy" is something of a misnomer because the procedure usually takes place in what is called a special procedures room, actually a type of operating room. When it's performed in an office, the doctor must take special care to maintain the same meticulous levels of cleanliness and sterility as in a hospital operating room.

[mummikub]

thank you for your reply and information 4me2 k's
very interesting read and its made me realise i should just go the docs and not be 'palmed off'.
I had been offered Physio at a community health centre after my last xray, but as i said to the doctor as soon as i do anything slightly strenous i am in constant pain.
A couple of weeks after the original accident i did visit the A+E dept, as i was in too much pain to sleep for a few nights, they asked if i had an xray done, i told them yes i was sent by my doctor but the xray was too 'fuzzy' (the actual word used) according to the radiologist at the time, the consultant then sent me home an hour later
Around this time i felt like i was being poked and prodded with something sharp from the inside, in my leg and bottom, with the back of my knee constantly stinging as well as the pain when i walked.
Its made me think about splinters a few times but when i mentioned it to the consultant at a+e he just walked off and spoke to a colleague, then i didn't even see him again before i was discharged.
I have even been given an xray on the hip too, nothing wrong there, but when i have mentioned being referred to a specialist regarding my knee my doctor doesn't seem to think i need to
I'm gonna make an appointment for a different doctor (i've seen 2 at the surgery upto now) and explain the whole story, and also ask to see a specialist.
I don't want to put too much strain on my hip, so sod it lol i'm gonna put my foot down

[4me2]

Ive just PMd Knee Doc to take a look at this thread ,who should be able to advise you better as Im not very familiar with the British NHS system .

[mummikub]

thanks 4me2

[bradkb]

You're getting similar symptoms to what I have, I was playing a game of rounders (I know, girlie game), but my knee went, made a pop as I went down. Went to A&E they said nothing showing on Xray, probably only muscle pain, if it still hurts in a couple of weeks go and see GP.

Well 3 weeks later pain was still the same, luckily where I work we have health care, went and saw my GP, he referred me to a knee specialist, who then did an MRI on my knee. Turns out I snapped the Anterior ligament, crushed and torn the Meniscus on one side and brusied the thigh bone.

Trying physio first to see if I can get a "usable" knee, as the operation dont sound to appealing, but in 3 weeks will know what needs to be done.

Really push your GP to get referred to a knee specialist, but on NHS it may take a few months to get an appointment just for an initial consultation.

Or of you can stretch, the consultant I went to see, even though the company paid for it, I have seen the invoice, his initial consultation was £50, then after the MRI results, to discuss treatment and what best to do was £100. The MRI was £730 including 4 xrays.

If your feeling flush, might be best just to ring your nearest bupa and get an appointment and pay for it yourself.

[knee doc]

Hi Guys

I've been away for a while .. i live/work in the States now, not been on DF for ages.

Did you manage to get you knee/hip sorted lemmie know if you have any questions