right knee only pain, on and off for years

[cherr1980]

I'm 37, but the symptoms started at 34. I do occasional exercise, eat healthy, weight within my height 5-9, 147lb, the only issue with bones is at 22 I broke my arm but nothing else. The knee pain ONLY happens at night when I'm sleep. I normally sleep fetus style towards my right then during the night I changed to my left. When I tried to move the knee locked and is a pain that I just cried at loud. I normally flex it and then turned. It doesn't hurt anymore. The pain only last 1 min. I later on can turn myself right and left without a problem, taking care I turn my knee carefully. I never had surgery and I don't practice sports. I do ocasional exercise. I went to the orthopedic when it first started, xray , examination and they didn't find anything just ice pads and few weeks of physical therapy was the answer. A year went by and I just had the problem for couple of times. Last year it was quite recurrent for only a month- during the fall, but I put ice pads and a knee support during the day. Keep in mind the pain only happens when I'm sleep. This year I didn't have it only until I got pregnant for the first time and in my 19 week. It started again while I'm sleeping. I have no idea what to do. It's on and then off for a long period of time and if it happens then is when I'm sleep. Thanks for the help.

[cherr1980]

Thanks, too bad the doctor didn't go beyond what the xray was showing but I guess there are procedures. Anyway will see how this play with with me being pregnant but sleeping is already a challenge and for sure this knee thing is not helping. I will get an appointment.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without an evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of his knee pain. I would suspect mild inflammation, nerve compression/ impingement, injuries to internal knee structures or loose bodies that would not have been visible on an x-ray. Other possibilities that may need to be considered include myopathies, chondromalacia, loose bodies, patellar dislocation, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, cysts, growths/ masses etc. I would suggest consulting an orthopedician for a re-evaluation for a diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!