I went to the rheumatologist on March 21st and he said that I have osteoarthritis and patello-femoral syndrome. I have now started hurting really bad in my knees and above my knees. Does anyone know if that is pain associated with my osteoarthritis. I am haveing such a hard time getting up from a sitting position, or even out of bed and I am also having pains when I walk. If anyone has any suggestions for me I would greatly appreciate them.
Take care everyone.
Soni G

Soni, here's my personal KNEE story and if you can get anything out of it... great! 3 years ago, I think I injured them from squats. They hurt when walking. I had an MRI on one knee which reported a torn meniscus, synovitis & arthritis. I refused to have the arthroscopy or to take drugs. I just babied my knees and did minimal walking; some days were good, some days the knees felt heavy & tight. Now, 3 years later, I must have really lost muscles in the legs from not using them and I decided to try a new approach because I suspected that arthritis might be an allergic response to what we eat. One month ago, I eliminated meat, sugar, dairy, hydrogenated fats, wheat and all processed foods from my diet and within a week my knee inflammation subsided. Then I started physical therapy to build up the lost leg muscles and I feel almost normal again!!!! Is arthritis an allergic response?????? I don't really know. I personally think it was the dairy & sugar. (Rosalee)

[This message has been edited by rosarobin (edited 04-20-2001).]

Soni:
I have the same thing. I was diagnosed when I was 34, I'm now 37. I have had Lateral releases and debridment of both knees, which needs to be repeated every 4 to 5 years, I'm due again. The pain above the knee is common. Your quad muscles and IT bands in your upper thigh are too strong and are pulling your knees to the outside. The outside of my upper thigh sometimes feels like there is a hot poker in there searing the muscles. That's why the lateral release. It has helped somewhat but I still have to be diligent, do my exercises, no squats, no running... My ortho told me that I will need bilateral knee replacements by the time I'm 55 if I take care of myself. I'm still left with grade 4+ osteoarthritis in both knees. I find glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM help and periodically I go to a really good sports therapy clinic for physio.
Hope it helped,
Shelly