What is wrong with my bloody knee?

[Shipstabber]

My right knee has been making a lot of funny noises - clicking and grinding, etc., for a few weeks now, but it didn't hurt so I didn't worry about it. But now, and for the past week, when I walk or go downstairs I feel a twingy tightening sensation on the left (my) side of the kneecap. And if I keep walking I get a shooting pain on the right side of the kneecap. I've tried resting it and wearing a tube but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I'm 37 and I don't do any jarring sports but I do walk a lot.

[samuel23]

First question is have you knocked it, twisted it or moved it awkwardly recently? If so it may be that you damaged the cartilage.
Although you are only 37 is there a history of arthritis in your family?
try taking a glucosamine supplement for a month and see if it improves - otherwise it's a trip to the doctor. Speaking from experience, you start with the doctor, then go to a physio, then to a consultant then to a surgeon - and the bloody thing still gets stiff when it's damp and clicks in the morning.

[nickmo]

Sounds like meniscus lesion. http://www.orthoassociates.com/meniscus.htm has pics to stare at and info. The meniscus is the shock absorber for the knee.

Had this years ago and the damaged piece cut out. Get to a doctor and see what they think

[mattie]

Best see a doctor, as here is a cautionary tale - my brother banged his knee, didn't bother about it and then developed bursitis - (inflammation of one of the bags of lubricating fluid in the knee). this became infected.
His knee swelled up like a balloon and his temperature sky rocketed.

He spent the best part of a week in hospital with a drip in each arm and his knee still isn't completely better.

[tictactoe]

http://www.patient.co.uk/DisplayConcepts.asp

add this to all the good info, you've received so far !!

[Shipstabber]

Thanks for these replies. I'm not aware of any particular incident which could have brought this on. I think I will go to the dreaded doctor sooner rather than later, as it sounds like a lengthy process!