Persistent Knee Pain After Injury: Causes, Treatments, and Relief

Question
Pamela
I injured both knees playing soccer two years ago. BTW I am 55, overweight, hypertension.
The x-rays showed no damage to either knee, and my doc said to take pain relievers. I saw a therapist who was able, with accupuncture, to relieve the pain and stifness in both knees.After two years, one knee has more or less normalized, but the other becomes very stiff and painfull after 20 minutes or more of walking. Ten more  treatments of accupuncture got me no relief. In fact the pain has increased, which is affecting my ability to work. Obviously this knee has a more seroius injury. Could this be a meniscus injury? If so, why didnt it show up on the initial x-ray? Is surgery an oprtion? I had arthroscopic done on an ankle for arthritis which resolved the problem. Do I have to wait for the knee to become arthritic?
Thank you very much.

Answer
Dear Bud,

Your symptoms indicate a possible meniscal tear. Cartilage is not viewable by an X-ray. An MRI needs to be ordered. However, by physical exam alone, many orthopedic surgeons are able to identify a meniscal tear. I recommend an appointment with orthopedics.