Aching knees

[1977Nicky]

When I was young (young teens) I used to get aching knees - except whenever I went to the doctor - by the time I got an appointment the pain had gone and the doctor told me to come back when the pain was there again! So I never really found out what it was, other than it used to make my cry at night because it was just constant, then after a few days it would completely disappear. There never seemed to be any reason for it and after a few years it just went away, I put it down to growing pains. Then in my early twenties I started getting the pain back when I had been drinking the night before, I was a great source of amusement to my friends who joked that I had a hangover in my knees! I thought it may be related to dehydration. Then it went away again for a few years. Now it is back since I have re-started exercising this year (I only had a 2 month break). I went to the docs about it last year and she gave me anti-inflammatories but then it went away so I didn't need to take them. I have taken them now to no effect. Painkillers don't work either. Any ideas?

[lady_p_gold]

Well there is something you can get while growing called Osgood Schlatter's disease which causes exactly the pain you describle. However I thought that was associated with growing and you are now an adult. It is a shame that was not investigated when you were younger.

www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic347.htm

Whether this could have affected you in later life I do not know but just thought I would mention this. Perhaps you could see an osteopath ? I think its a case of just keep on trying to diagnose it, perhaps others may be able to throw some light on it.

[Englishbird]

I'm afraid I don't hold much faith in doctors with these types of conditions. I would strongly recommend going to see a Physiotherapist. Try and get a recommendation from someone you know for a good local physio. good luck.

[Toureman]

Do as the warning says on this topic!

Go to a docter and insist you see a specialist before the problem gets worse!

[gessoo]

As lady p gold says, sounds exactly like Osgood Schlatter's disease. I am very familiar with this and it is very common in young teenage boys (something like 1 in 10) Unfortunately, it can leave you with a tendency to get pain in the knee area in adulthood on an on-and-off basis. I don't think there is much you can do except take pain killers and rest when it occurs but please see your GP. (Osgood Schlatter's can cause huge bony lumps in the knee area which in extreme cases can be 'filed down', but it is usually when the sufferer is young and in the most pain.

As for being affected by alchohol, I suffer with arthritis and alchohol makes my arthritic aches and pains very much worse, but I don't know any medical reason for it. I can see that it might do the same with your knees.

Best of luck, but again do see the GP (they can refer you to a Physio if they think it might help),

[1977Nicky]

Thanks very much for all the advice - I had a feeling it would require another trip to the docs - just thought I'd ask the question first!