#759 Question about Knee Pain

#759 Question about Knee Pain

#759 You are a professional physician, specializing in lower body skeletal, muscular and circulation problems.  First tell me, is the bck inside knee the lateral meniscus or the medial meniscus?

The knee joint consists of two menisci - the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus is located on the inside part of the knee, closest to the other knee. The lateral meniscus is on the outside part of the knee. So, the back inside of the knee would be more associated with the medial meniscus rather than the lateral. However, it's worth mentioning that both menisci are present in the back of the knee, as they form a "C" shape within the joint, with the opening of the "C" facing towards the front of the knee.


After two weeks of walking, gradually increasing distance from nothing to something, and feeling better and stronger (leg wise) every day, my right leg medial meniscus is very painful when I walk. It appears to be getting betters after two-to-three days, but not healed yet. I have no pain simply bending the knee, but when I put weight on it and walk, that's when it hurts. If I walk stiff-legged, at least for the right knee, the pain is less and I can walk.  What is going on?

As an AI, I can't diagnose medical conditions, but I can give you an overview of some possibilities based on the information you provided. Knee pain associated with weight-bearing activity but not with simple knee bending could potentially be a sign of various issues, including:

Meniscus Tear: These are common in people who participate in sports but can happen from regular wear and tear as well. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, a catching or locking sensation in your knee, and difficulty straightening your knee fully. However, not all meniscus tears are painful, and some people can walk and even continue their usual activities even after tearing a meniscus. It's also worth mentioning that the healing of meniscus tears depends on the type and location of the tear.

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, and it occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Pain during or after movement is a typical symptom.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury: An MCL injury is a sprain or tear to the medial collateral ligament. The MCL is a band of tissue on the inside of your knee. It connects your thighbone to the bone of your lower leg.

Pes anserinus bursitis or tendinitis: This condition involves inflammation of the pes anserine bursa or tendons located on the inner aspect of the knee, which can cause pain, especially with walking or climbing stairs.

Given your description of the pain with weight-bearing activities, it's crucial to see a healthcare provider. They may recommend an imaging study like an X-ray or an MRI to understand the source of your knee pain better.

Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list of possible causes, and you should not use this information to diagnose yourself. Please consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your knee pain.

Do not continue to walk stiff-legged, as this could potentially lead to other problems by putting abnormal stress on other parts of your leg or spine. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with over-the-counter pain relievers, may help reduce pain and swelling in the short term.

Again, consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. 


Additional information. I had started a KETO diet a little over two weeks ago, and had almost eliminated sugars and carbonated sodas. Then I took a skip day and ate pancakes with syrup, ice cream and about three two-liter bottles of diet carbonated soda. Could this have added to swollen knees?

It's generally accepted that diet can have a significant impact on inflammation in the body, and theoretically, this could potentially affect joint pain. Certain foods are believed to have pro-inflammatory effects, such as processed foods, sugary drinks, and certain types of fats.

Here's how your dietary changes might affect your knee pain:

Sugars and Processed Foods: High-sugar foods can lead to increased inflammation in the body, potentially worsening pain in joints like the knees. Pancakes with syrup and ice cream are typically high in sugar.

Carbonated Sodas: While diet sodas themselves may not directly cause inflammation, they are often high in artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which some studies have suggested may have pro-inflammatory effects. However, the research in this area isn't definitive.

Keto Diet: The ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbs, is sometimes touted for its potential anti-inflammatory effects. This is mainly because it reduces sugar intake and encourages the consumption of certain types of fats that might have anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits.

While it's possible that these dietary factors could influence your knee pain, it's also important to remember that many other factors could be at play, including physical activity levels, overall health status, body weight, and more. Also, even though diet can affect inflammation, its connection to sudden onset or worsening of knee pain is not straightforward and would usually be part of a broader picture.

Remember, you should discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation, including potential dietary changes that might help reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms. Also, sudden and significant dietary changes, such as starting a keto diet, should be discussed with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to ensure they are done safely and suitably for your individual health circumstances.


From <https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4>

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