Last resort...

[Skullduggery]

Dear Dr Junig. I started with pain above my right knee (lateral side) 18 months ago, which then quickly translated into pain the whole length of my IT band. I had several months of physio, stretching strengthening exercises. I have had knee, hip and back x-rays, MRI scans on my back and hip, two knee operations for mild CMP and a lateral release. I have also seen a chiropracter and had a bio-mechanical assessment (othotics req'd). Nothing was found, joint spacing etc fine except for some fraying of the cartilage on the posterior lateral aspect of my patella. The lateral release was to see if it could alieviate the pain and give the IT band some laxity.

Before the pain, I was running 20-25 miles a week and was fit and healthy. Now I struggle to walk 20-25 minutes. I am not a quitter, but I am at a total loss where to turn. I still have horendous pain. Please can you help?

[Skullduggery]

Hi. Thanks for the advice. My knee pain has subsided since my bi-lateral release, but the pain above the knee upto my hip continues. I have been directed down the route of 'snapping hip syndrome' - with IT Band / TFL catching the greater trochanter during the gait cycle of walking / running. I have a new programme this week to strengthen specific muscle groups to try and prevent this happening.

Will take a few months to know results.

[ChronicPain1]

I have Patella Femoral Syndrome which causes me knee pain. I also had a Lateral Release, but it failed me unfortunately.

Doctor gave up on me and basically told me I'd need a knee replacement down the line. Hooray!

[Tuckamore]

Thank you Steve for the update. I think you have made a wise decision. I will look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Peace,
Tuck

[Skullduggery]

Thanks for your advice. I have managed to get a Physio review with a sports physio who is based with a professional football team next month. I will keep you posted.

Steve.

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum though I do think you are looking for the Expert Forum as Sandee pointed out. I am sorry to hear about your pain.

As I am sure you know fraying of the knee cartilage can and does cause pain. Indeed it can be severe pain depending on the amount of fraying.

Have you seen a D.O.  (osteopathic physician) also called Doctor of Osteopathy. I searched for years for the answer to my severe debilitating hip and leg pain. It wasn't until the buttock pain started and I saw a DO that I was diagnosed with SIJ Syndrome.

I encourage you to continue to search for the cause of your pain . It sounds like you are doing all the right things, checking the internet, website and your physician sounds like he is still searching too. If you feel he is not than it may be time to seek another opinion.

I don't know how PM Clinics function in the UK but in my state they do complete medical evaluations. You are seen by a team of specialists to search for the cause and or confirm a diagnosis and make recommendations. If you have PM Clinic that function in that manner it may be a good place to continue your search.

Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates.
Peace, Tuck

[Skullduggery]

Thanks for the advice. Doctor is struggling to help. I have seen 2 different specialists and neither can find anything physically wrong. All the tests are clear however, I have this debilitating pain that starts in my hip, and runs down the outside of my right leg to my knee. It was first treated as IlioTibial Band syndrome, but didn't respond to any physio, or exercises. Believe me, I have had several exended recovery plans. This was the reason for the lateral release operation to take the pressure off the knee / IT band. This made no difference.

I have been refered to a pain management clinic, but this doesn't get me back running/exercising or fix what ever is causing the problem.

[sandee1818]

Hi skullduggery,
  You have posted in the pain management community and though were glad to have you here I believe you meant to post in the "expert forum". If you look at the top of your page and hit forums it will take you to a list where you can access it there:)
I am sorry your going through so much pain. What are you doing for the pain if anything?
Also what does your doctor say?