My right knee is in bad shape too. Been that way for a few years now. Have had two MRI's done on it and so far my doc says there's little he can do. In fact, I just saw him about a week ago for my final hip check up and since he's also my knee doc I mentioned how much it's been bothering me again. Right now he says surgery will be of little help so all I can do is keep up with the physical therapy exercises. Oh joy!
What sucks is that the issue doesn't seem to be with my meniscus. I almost wish it was because then they could go in and repair/remove it and I'd be much better. My mom had that surgery a couple years ago on her right knee and hasn't had a problem since getting it scoped. Was a simple, easy, in-and-out day surgery for her.
So Illiteratti, I don't know if you've been to a knee doc and/or have gotten an MRI yet for your knee, but if possible you should do so. The issue might be fixable. Or it might be manageable via PT exercises, etc. You might also have luck with the various injections they offer -- cortisone or hylagan (Synivisc). Admittedly I didn't have much luck with injections for the long term, but at least I know now that they don't work.
And if you don't want to bother with the doc then at least Google some simple, easy exercises for strengthening your quad muscles (search knee pain exercises and/or patella exercises). Supposedly these type of moves help to get the patella to track properly. I have had some success with doing patella exercises and it helps that they are very easy to do. Some you can do while you sit in a chair that's how easy they are. Example:
- For isometric exercise of the quadriceps group, sit with your leg straight and supported (it works well to sit on the floor or a firm bed). Tighten your thigh muscles (quadriceps) for 10 seconds at a time. Then rest the muscles for a few seconds before tightening them again. Do this for 8 to 12 repetitions, several times a day. If this is uncomfortable in the front or back of your knee, try placing a rolled up washcloth or dishtowel under your knee. See the picture below.
