Okay, hopefully this doesn't turn out too long. I'm NOT looking for a diagnosis, obviously. I just need opinions. And yes, I have seen a doctor about this and so far have gotten nowhere which is why I am on here asking for ideas.
I have had a "bad knee" for about six years now (as far as I can remember it's been since 2007). My knee pops a lot, especially when I bend down; I can actually HEAR it crunching and popping! It causes quite a bit of pain every now and then, some days worse than others. Sometimes it almost even feels numb around the kneecap. I went to see a doctor about it who swore it wasn't my bone but rather the tissue, just by feeling my knee. I swear it IS my knee but I'm not the professional so whatever. She sent me to get a $500 MRI on my knee, which basically turned up with nothing; therefore I don't believe it is the tissue after all. I am still having issues even when I wear a knee brace (which I have been wearing also since about 2007). Sometimes my knee almost feels detached and when I squat, my knee always feels like it's twisting some way that it shouldn't be and it hurts a lot.
ANY IDEAS?! I know it's hard to know what I'm talking about through my description but I'm hoping for opinions anyway. Thanks!
P.S. I am a perfectly healthy 22-year-old female with no injuries to the knee as far as I know. Never played any sports and no accidents that would have caused knee issues.