Question
Dr Tsatsos,

I'm 46 years old, female, suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis from more than 10 years. I never had knee pain or problem before.
I started taking swimming lessons a few months ago and during the kicking practice strained my leg muscles and knees.
My knee has swelling ever since. My leg muscles have gone weak due to lack of exercise. I've tried rest, ice treatment ... swelling improves in 2-3 days, then when I feel better I start very light exercise which I can do lying in bed (tightening the leg muscles, raising the foot etc., light walking at home for my personal chores)

The pain and swelling just keeps coming back and the knee wont heal. This has happened thrice - improved by cold ice treatment and rest, then reappeared on light exercise.

Am I missing something? Could it be my diet or anything else?

Please advise.
Parul

Answer
Dear Parul,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661, Roscoe Village 60618, Ukrainian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says,
Try to wrap the knee when swollen to decrease the swelling. If the swelling is overuse sbecause of being overweight or over-activity---then start with losing weight by diet & re-evaluate your activity.. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects more than one joint-so it may be osteoarthritis. Both respond well to pool exercises-so try gentler activities-like walking through the water and upper body exercises. The knee may need to be wrapped for most activities & it may take a few weeks. Don't wrap during sleep-unless very swollen & the wrap helps. The wrapping should be comfortable and snug, but not tight.
Hope this helps &
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos,Dr Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Ryan Holmbeck, Dr Telva Hernandez & Dr Kevin Massard
Chicago 60661, 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified swimming or wearing a knee bin Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661

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