Question
I had a partial knee replacement (medial) 18 months ago. After recovery I noticed the arthritis was a lot better but now I have painful clicking with the lateral joint compartment (possibly knee cap - not 100% sure) and the lateral muscle on the upper outside of the knee feels painful/fatigued all the time. When I walk it feels like the knee is going in and out of joint ?a clicking bone passing bone feeling which causes me to limp. I went back to my surgeon and they did an x-ray, CT scan and MRI but the surgeon said they didn抰 show anything abnormal. At least, the artificial component has not moved or loosened. All the surgeon could say was, 搕he scans look fine?and there抯 nothing else they can do.

After a year of pain and having trouble walking I finally convinced them to refer me to the pain clinic. At my first appointment my doctor, an Anesthesiologist, pushes on my knee (something the surgeon never did which I find surprising) and recommends a medial unloader knee brace.  This really helps.  I am able to walk further with less pain but it抯 still not great. I still have a lot of pain even when I am at rest ?located at the top of the medial compartment and where that lateral fatigued muscle attaches to the bone.  I can point right to these specific places but, as I said, the surgeon claims nothing is wrong.

My surgeon says I am too young for them to consider a total knee replacement at this time. The pain MD just recommended a SynVisc injection. I'm not sure this will be beneficial.  Will SynVisc help me?

Answer
Dear Jim

This Chicago Orthopedic Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & West Loop Podiatrist says.......
See a sports medicine podiatrist-who can evaluate you for orthotics. Sometimes an orthotic may place your knee in a more neutral position-the patella should be facing forward for the most part. Also have a limb-length evaluation-which the orthotic can address also. Try to find exercises that will strengthen the weak muscles of your knee. See a physical therapist, who should be able to point you in the right direction.
Syn-visc helps with an arthritic joint.The injection may help if there is arthritis-or narrowing of the joint space.  Get your x-rays, MRI & CT scan (copies-not the report) and seek a second opinion from an orthopedist who does knees only.
Good Luck!
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