is it arthritis? what to expect at doctors?!


Question: Is it arthritis? what to expect at doctors?
Well i'm 15, a strong build, probably over weight (not over fat) but athletic/muscular.
I never really had too much of a problem with either of my knees before but 2 weeks ago at football we were warming up and i heard a grinding noise when i followed through my kick but there wasn't any pain, just a bit of discomfort. I normally crack my knees (plant my foot and twist side to side with usually no pain) so i thought i just needed to crack it, but it didn't work and as the game went on every step contained a pop and crack noise. Again there wasn't TOO MUCH pain, a little more than before but not unbearable, although every time i kicked the ball hard my knee really flared up.
The cracking continued throughout the day and the next morning my knee was very painful to straighten and move and felt hot to touch compared to the other.
My Mom told me she suffered from arthritis at an early age but at 15 i'm quite surprised and anxious as i aspire to become a sports teacher and this isn't a good start with my A level PE next year!
Anyway, the pain wasn't too bad the next few days, definitely stiffer than usual and felt quite achy.
I played again on Saturday and the pain got to a whole new level, it was agony with every step and the cracking remained, it does seem to get louder or harder as i exercise?
So i was subbed and i rested it the rest of the day. Sunday was VERY sore, every step was pain, and straightening it fully was really excruciating, i thought i needed to maybe move it a little so i jogged lightly in the garden but that was no use and being football mad i couldn't resist kicking a couple of balls, BIG mistake, the pain was bad after that and all night and today it's on off as i sit at school and move around. I'm really worried about my future in sport and my mom has booked me an appointment for this week. Thing is i have an important day on Friday where i need to be assessed in sport at school unless i get a doctors excuse, should i sit out? i know it will be too much pain to play my best.
I've also been taking ibuprofen for the inflammation but no use.
So does anyone have an idea of what it could be?
maybe osteoarthritis? worn down cartilage? I've been playing football since i could walk and have been playing a lot lately.
Also when i go to the doctors what should i expect regarding an examination etc

thanks a lot!
X

Answers:

Arthritis started in my body at a very young age. I reckon I was about 15 too. I had x-rays, and the results showed that I suffered from arthritis in my wrists and fingers and had the ability to get arthritis in most of the joints in my body. I have taken Glucosamine for several years now and that seems to help my arthritis a lot. Before I started this regimen, though, I was getting cortisone shots to help with the arthritis pain, but those shots were a little expensive. Playing sport can help agitate arthritis. I had to start doing less each week, but still exercise or play sport.

I would not worry about the doctor visit. You may have to do x-rays. The doctor may have you flex and extend your knees to see what the range of motion is like. I doubt you will have to have cortisone shots straightaway, but it may be in your future.




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