Question
Hi, I am a 20 year old female. I am about 5'6" and weigh 130 pounds. I have pretty much been physically active all my life. Throughout high school I did sports such as soccer (for one season), track (one season), and tennis (all 4 years). I continued to stay very active even up until now (running, biking etc). I first developed this problem when I was 17 where it started out in my left knee. After ignoring it and having to deal with it on and off it ended up in my right knee too. I would occasionally get a sharp shooting throbbing pain in my left knee at night sometimes after working out but then it would be gone in the next day or two, or I would have sore knees for a few days then it would go away. This summer it seems to have gotten worse since I have been on my feet every day at my job and trying to stay active. It all happened a week ago when I went on a bike ride after work. It started out as a burning pain that night and progressed into pain when I just walk. The throbbing pains will keep me up at night but they have gotten a bit better since I have been resting and taking off work this week. I have been icing it constantly too. I also Have some stiffness and tightness in the backs of my legs and when I walk my knees constantly pop and crack. Is this a sure sign of chronic tendonitis that has not been allowed to heal properly? Or even worse, could I have tendonosis at such a young age? If this is the case, am I permanently damaged for life? I would love to be able to run and bike again one day, let alone even walk without pain. I am terribly worried as you can see. I am seeing an Orthopedic Doctor tomorrow so hopefully he will help me. I have also been on heavy duty medication (elmiron and plaquenil) for two autoimmune disorders that I have had for a year. Could the meds be making my knee problems worse? I am aware that I might need an MRI for this, but if it is tendonosis (which I am praying to god it isn't) will It be able to be cured? I also forgot to mention that during activities such as walking, running, biking etc. I would get sharp pains in my knees, and even afterwards. If you could answer any of these questions I would greatly appreciate it. I am also aware that you do not specialize in knees, but I was wondering if you could give me some information on tendon related issues such as this one. I know this is a lot of information to take in for someone that you do not know. Thank you so much for your help already!

Answer
Hi Jamie,

I would look into getting into a physical therapy program and then have them teach you how to maintain the improvements.  I would also see a podiatrist and see if they can address your problem with orthotic devices.  If they can improve your foot function you may have less stress on your knees.  Autoimmune disease can cause tendon and joint problems.  In addition to your medications you may want to seek the care of a holistic or integrative medicine practitioner to help supplement with a vitamin/mineral approach.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://katzpodiatristtampa.blogspot.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TampaPodiatrist
http://www.notoenailfungus.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.