Question
I have had severe pain in an area about 4 inches up and to the right (diagonally) on my left knee for about 3 years now. I've been wearing a knee brace, but I can't walk more than about 250 feet without it starting to hurt (and then really hurt, eventually becoming excruciating the further I go). Generally there isn't much pain  because I refrain from walking any real distances, but this is ruining my life.  
My doctor finally sent me for an MRI and referred me to an orthopedist. I am on Medicaid so my options have been very limited.  The MRI report said the following:
1) Finding consistent with a partial thickness tear of the ACL
2) Degenerative medial meniscal signal
3) Focal edema in the laterial pateller facet which may represent chondromalacia patellae.

I was finally got in to an orthopedist who saw me for less than five minutes, and no more than 2 minutes looking at my MRI.  He declared there was nothing whatsoever wrong with my knee at all. He said the radiologist just put all the stuff on the report to cover themselves from liability, and that the stuff on the report is just from 'getting older' (I'm 32). He offered me a cortisone shot in the area with the pain, and I said yes because it was all he would offer. The shot did nothing to help, but at least it ruled out inflammation.

Now I don't know what to do because my insurance doesn't cover anything. As it is, I had to wait 3 months and travel 60 miles to see this orthopedist.  I can't even go for a walk, or go shopping to more than one place with my knee like this. I can't do anything. I could afford to pay out of pocket to go to a better doctor who will be more thorough, but I won't be able to afford the treatment.

What can I do?  Can you offer me any insight to what those MRI results mean, and if the radiologist would really just put stuff on the report that wasn't really there?  Anything you could tell me would help because I've been dealing with this for years.

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Laser Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Jeff,
I only answer public questions-so that all mat benefit. I made yours public so I could answer for you
The cortisone injection to the knee is to decrease inflammation- thereby decreasing pain.
Sometimes orthotics in shoes may help with knee pain---if you have low or high arches or differences in length. A Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics can help you with that.
The MRI is stating early arthritic findings.If you are overweight-lose the weight ASAP.
Try PRICE
Protect-Wear an knee brace around the knee and limit the movements that aggravate it.
Rest-Speaks for itself-perhaps the weekend & evenings when you are off-rest it.
Ice- Will help if it is  painful and a little with the swelling.  
Compress-Ace wrap or knee sleeve
Elevate-Will help if it throbs or swells at the end of the day.
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or supports for your knee.
Call the orthopedist's office and tell the office manager that you were hoping the doctor might have a better solution answer for you-since you are in pain.If unable to help-then ask for a referral.
Get your x-rays & MRIs and seek another orthopedist at a local teaching hospital/university.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck !!!

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