tightness in knee question

[anniemae]

I have been having a strange tightness feeling in my knees lately. It is mostly when I go up and down stairs.

I was treated for a painful foot disorder-planters fascitis, last month. My question is, should I go back to the podiatrist, or do I need a different doctor. My feet don't hurt much anymore, just my knees, but I know everything is connected so maybe it is my feet causing the knee tightness.

Anyone dealt with this before, and what type of doctor did you see?

 

[Aristomommy]

If it was me, I would not go to the podiatrist. If you need a referral, go see your family doctor first or go straight to an orthopedic specialist.

Do you have fluid in the knee that might cause the tightness? Take a flexible tape measure and measure at the same part of the knee both sides and that might help tell you if you have swelling.

 

[bicker]

My wife just started having some issues similar to what you're describing. If you don't mind - how old are you? (For my wife, approaching sixty, it isn't unusual...)

She hasn't done the right thing, so I have no advice there. She did pick up a bottle of OTC joint supplement - combo of four things, including glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin. While they're not going to help if the problem is the onset of arthritis, some people, like my wife, think that these supplements may help if the problem is just the body failing to produce enough of these compounds itself.

I'm skeptical, but heck - it worked for our cat!

 

[Christine]

My gut reaction is to tell you, no, the podiatrist is not going to help.

However, in January, I damaged my posterior tibial tendon on my left foot. I was doing something stupid, I pronate terrible anyway, and I guess I have some partial tears or damage. It is 7 months later, tons of podiatrists visits and I'm still up and down with it. I am told it is permanent.

Anyway, shortly after the injury, I was in an aircast for awhile. I noticed at some point that the back and side of my knee bothered me occasionally. When my foot is flaring up, it bothers me much more. So, this knee issue is definitely related to my PTTD problem.

Having said that, plantar fasciitis is very common and is an inflammation of the fascia, versus damage to tendons that orginate in the knee. I do have a hard time thinking this is causing your knee issues, unless, you had more inflammation of other tendons in the foot.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You need to see an orthopedic doctor.

 

[anniemae]

thanks everyone, I think I will make an appt with an orthopedic specialist.

Bicker-I am 40.

I just thought it may be connected to my foot issue since my podiatrist said your feet can throw everything out of whack if you are not walking correctly and it can give you knee and hip pain.

has anyone been to an orthopedic specialist? What do they do? Just take x-rays?

 

[bicker]

Those kind of issues at 40? Definitely see an ortho.

 

[Christine]

thanks everyone, I think I will make an appt with an orthopedic specialist.

Bicker-I am 40.

I just thought it may be connected to my foot issue since my podiatrist said your feet can throw everything out of whack if you are not walking correctly and it can give you knee and hip pain.

has anyone been to an orthopedic specialist? What do they do? Just take x-rays?

I went for my knees (and my foot/ankle). The nice thing about orthos is that most large practices have the X-ray equipment right in their spaces so that stuff goes fast.

They will definitely take X-rays to see if they can see any bone or cartilidge dengeration/athritic issues. They will also take your legs through a range of motion (you will likely be lying down) so the ortho can see your knee movement, the laxity of your joints, and if he/she can elicit pain. If they can't find arthritis, they may just recommend you for some physical therapy.

 

[minkydog]

Another vote for the orthopedist. Your problem may well be related to your feet. However, the part that is hurting is you knee. Podiatrists do feet. Orthopedists do knees AND feet. Don't mess around with this. There is probably something the doctor can do to make it better. Treat it before it becomes a big problem.

Like Christine, I have post-tibial tendon dysfunction. I partially tore the tendon about 10 years ago, but didn't seek aggressive treatment. I just sort of lived with the pain until I had to be casted. I have had plantar fasciitis flare-ups for years. Last year I re-injured the tendon twice. At this point, I've used up all the conservative treatment there is and am facing eventual surgery to permanently fuse my foot. Not cool. I was supposed to have surgery this summer, but had to postpone. Right now the ankle is killing me. Ice and rest and orthotics is about all I can do about it. If I could go back in time I would hop on this problem IMMEDIATELY. Proper treatment could have probably mitigated some of my pain and may have even prevented surgery. I was stupid(and I'm a nurse!) And now I'm paying for it. Don't be like me. Take care of your feet and knees.

 

[anniemae]

Ahhhhhh Minkydog-that was my concern about an orthopedic specialist, I did not realize they treated feet as well. I thought I had to go to a podiatrist for that, and my reasoning was that if the knee pain is caused by my feet being out of whack, that I HAD to see the podiatrist to fix the knees.

The place I am going is a sports medicine place with orthopedic surgeons-does that sound like the right place to go????

 

[Christine]

Ahhhhhh Minkydog-that was my concern about an orthopedic specialist, I did not realize they treated feet as well. I thought I had to go to a podiatrist for that, and my reasoning was that if the knee pain is caused by my feet being out of whack, that I HAD to see the podiatrist to fix the knees.

The place I am going is a sports medicine place with orthopedic surgeons-does that sound like the right place to go????

Orthopedists do treat feet but the one I went to actually said that if my PTTD did not get better, that I would be better off with a podiatrist for that issue. So who knows?

 

[GeorgeG]

I have to agree with seeing an orthopedic doctor. Yes, they will probably take x-rays, but that's usually an in-office thing these days. While age often plays into these things, there are other factors to consider. I had my first knee surgery in my early 30s and just had a total knee replacement in May at 64. It could be something very simple or the onset of more serious problems. The key is to find out as soon as possible so it can be treated. I hope everything works out.

 

[lustergirl]

does it hurt on the sides of your knees? It may a torn miniscus, good luck!!

 

[crewmatt]

Up and down stairs makes me think maybe ITB? Where on your knee does it hurt?

 

[anniemae]

it hurts at the top and sides of my knee cap as well as the back of the knee, and it's more of a tightness or pressure feeling than pain.

 

[anniemae]

I did not get custom orthotics from the podiatrist, only otc ones, super step, I think. If I got custom orthotics, I would definately go back to him. I did call his office and was told they do not do anything above the ankle and would not be able to x-ray my knee. My feet feel fine, so I maybe it is not connected. At least an orthotic dr will be able to x-ray.

 

[arminnie]

I know an absolutely brilliant orthopedic surgeon totally specializeds in knees. When I need something I call him and and ask which ortho I should go to for a hip or a hand issue. Works for me.

They all do the xrays before I even walk in the exam room as they want the most info to make a diagnosis. So far I haven't needed any surgery just some PT.

 

[minkydog]

Ahhhhhh Minkydog-that was my concern about an orthopedic specialist, I did not realize they treated feet as well. I thought I had to go to a podiatrist for that, and my reasoning was that if the knee pain is caused by my feet being out of whack, that I HAD to see the podiatrist to fix the knees.

The place I am going is a sports medicine place with orthopedic surgeons-does that sound like the right place to go????

My ortho is also a sports medicine specialist. He has several patients who play for the Atlanta Hawks. I have been very impressed with the treatment that he has done. He is very concerned with maintaining function as long as possible.Podiatrists are well educated in diseases and injury of the feet, but they don't do knees.

 

[minkydog]

I know an absolutely brilliant orthopedic surgeon totally specializeds in knees. When I need something I call him and and ask which ortho I should go to for a hip or a hand issue. Works for me.

Yeah, that's the way my orthopedist is. He specializes in feet, ankles and knees. He sent me to two other ortho specialists for my hand issues and my herniated discs.