Re: swelling question

[Guest guest]

Beth,

My Experience with knees swelling......'s could swell at odd times. Walking on the legs all day could be swelling by night. Her hips are the same way. When waking the swelling can be gone. Why? Legs are at rest and the healing process comes. But other times it can be alittle swelling all day or night. I would inform the Dr of these measurements though.

Older folks with Arthritis tell me if they walk a lot the knee swells. Resting with legs up on something helps. Over use of a Joint can also cause the swelling. You could try letting her play half a day then rest half a day and measure see if this could bring more light to this puzzle. Also let the Dr know your findings.

Let me know what you find out. Does pain get worse either way? Swelling or not swelling?

RobbinSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Robbin:

She has been sleeping with her legs elevated (on 2 pillows at night). Her pain is by far more intense by bedtime. She is stiff in the morning, but not like the pain she has at bedtime. I will print off the chart I've made to track the swelling and take it with us on Tuesday. I'm also guessing the right is more swollen because she has the supporter on the left. Her left knee is more painful, but again its supported all day. Very frustrating right now..grrrrr.

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

Re: swelling question

Beth,

My Experience with knees swelling.... ..' s could swell at odd times. Walking on the legs all day could be swelling by night. Her hips are the same way. When waking the swelling can be gone. Why? Legs are at rest and the healing process comes. But other times it can be alittle swelling all day or night. I would inform the Dr of these measurements though.

Older folks with Arthritis tell me if they walk a lot the knee swells. Resting with legs up on something helps. Over use of a Joint can also cause the swelling. You could try letting her play half a day then rest half a day and measure see if this could bring more light to this puzzle. Also let the Dr know your findings.

Let me know what you find out. Does pain get worse either way? Swelling or not swelling?

Robbin

See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth

Hannah sounds very much like my son, Chris. Any knee swelling that he has ever had is always right above the knee cap- and feels like too much fluid in there - it feels a little more gelled than the other side. That's a very good idea to measure- I never thought of that. tends to be more stiff in the morning, but have more pain and swelling after activity.

In the very beginning in 2003, had swelling above his left knee that would come and go. He would have trouble walking in the morning, but by afternoon would be jumping off of things. That was bizarre and a definite clue that this was not a normal "knee injury". At first it would come and go with weeks or months between times. Finally we got an xray and some labs when he was swollen. The labs were normal (as they have always been) and the xray showed soft tissue swelling. (duh!) (but at this point they were ruling out tumors, other injuries etc.) This is when we were sent to the pediatric rheumatologist. Of course when we had his first appointment everything looked normal and we were told to come back if he ever had swelling/pain/stiffness again. About four months later, he did and we then had an MRI and xrays. From the MRI and past history, they decided he probably had pauciarticular JRA and put him on naproxen. I believe that we were at the very, very, very beginning stages of JRA and just happened to catch it very early. Since then, even on different meds (naproxen then ketoprofen, mtx then arava, enbrel and now remicade.) he's had swelling and or pain in both knees, ankles, fingers, hips, neck, upper back. He is also hypermobile. Sometimes hypermobility can be caused from JRA, but the docs believe that he has two seperate issues going on together that sometimes overlap. Benign hypermobility syndrome and JRA. His hip pain and shoulder pain may just be from being so loose jointed and being very active. He goes to physical therapy off and on and occupational therapy and the things that they work on the most are strengthening exercises to help those flexible joints. He's pretty skinny and as he's almost 11 is just starting a big growth spurt and they're very concerned that if he does not do his exercises he's going to end up with more joint problems.

Don't know if this helps.

Jinny (pauci 10)

On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:41:55 -0700 (PDT) Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> writes:

Hi everyone:

As you know Hannah has been in a flare for about a month now. We saw the ped 2 weeks ago and he was concerned about her left knee. Her knee was way too loose and he has her wearing a support for all activities, as he is concerned about injury. We see the pain doctor on Tuesday and I want to push for more testing to find a real diagnosis.

That being said I have a question about swelling. I'm sure lots of you have kids with knee involvement and that is where I need your feedback. On the great advice of a good friend of mine who just had double knee replacements, I have been measuring Hannah's knees twice a day. Once right when she gets up and again right before bed. I have noticed swelling, but of course, you can't see anything in a photo. She swells roughly an inch to an inch and a half above the knee cap. The measurements on both knees fluctuate from anywhere from a 1/4 to 1/2 inch between morning and evening. I made marks on her legs so that I am measuring in the same spot every time. I take a tape measure and measure around the leg.

Now my question, when your kids swell is this the area they swell or do they swell on the knee itself? Every time I bring something abnormal up to the specialists, they blow it off and I'm frustrated with that. Her ped has been the most supportive and truly seems the most concerned. What do you all think about Hannah's swelling?

Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

[Guest guest]

Beth,From what our doctor told us the only way to help an unstable knee is through Physical Therapy and a home exercise program, all the bracing in the world will not help. She needs to strengthen the quadricep muscles in her thighs which will give more stability to the knees. I will include some links for you. The swelling from our docs position is from the instability and the irritation that occurs. It is worth checking out and trying in my opinion. Joint swelling will occur at/around the joint or back of of the knee. The knee will look like an orange or grapefruit. My daughter always feels better when they are grapefruits because it cushions the joint. The upper knee/lower thigh swelling is due to the unstable joint not arthritic condition according to the many many people we have

seen.http://seniorliving.about.com/od/basicexerciseseries/ss/kneeexercise_3.htmhttp://www.bigkneepain.com/knee-exercises.htmlhttp://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/knee-exercises-physical-therapy.htmhttp://www.bodyinsight101.com/kneeex.htmhttp://www.drlintner.com/PFPrehab.htm ******READ, GOOD INFO HERE******Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote: Hi everyone: As

you know Hannah has been in a flare for about a month now. We saw the ped 2 weeks ago and he was concerned about her left knee. Her knee was way too loose and he has her wearing a support for all activities, as he is concerned about injury. We see the pain doctor on Tuesday and I want to push for more testing to find a real diagnosis. That being said I have a question about swelling. I'm sure lots of you have kids with knee involvement and that is where I need your feedback. On the great advice of a good friend of mine who just had double knee replacements, I have been measuring Hannah's knees twice a day. Once right when she gets up and again right before bed. I have noticed swelling, but of course, you can't see anything in a photo. She swells roughly an inch to an inch and a half above the knee cap. The measurements on both knees

fluctuate from anywhere from a 1/4 to 1/2 inch between morning and evening. I made marks on her legs so that I am measuring in the same spot every time. I take a tape measure and measure around the leg. Now my question, when your kids swell is this the area they swell or do they swell on the knee itself? Every time I bring something abnormal up to the specialists, they blow it off and I'm frustrated with that. Her ped has been the most supportive and truly seems the most concerned. What do you all think about Hannah's swelling? Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines Sending prayers & happy thoughts, Beth

:-)

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Games.

[Guest guest]

Beth,The links went through weird but I hope you can get them to work, And I hope they help her. Unstable knee joints can and do cause pain and swelling, but higher at lower thigh area not at the joint itself.e, mom to joe 20 poly/lupusbound for london <boundforlondon@...> wrote: Beth,From what our doctor told us the only way to help an unstable knee is through Physical Therapy and a home exercise program, all the bracing in the world will not help. She needs to strengthen the quadricep muscles in

her thighs which will give more stability to the knees. I will include some links for you. The swelling from our docs position is from the instability and the irritation that occurs. It is worth checking out and trying in my opinion. Joint swelling will occur at/around the joint or back of of the knee. The knee will look like an orange or grapefruit. My daughter always feels better when they are grapefruits because it cushions the joint. The upper knee/lower thigh swelling is due to the unstable joint not arthritic condition according to the many many people we have seen.http://seniorliving.about.com/od/basicexerciseseries/ss/kneeexercise_3.htmhttp://www.bigkneepain.com/knee-exercises.htmlhttp://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/knee-exercises-physical-therapy.htmhttp://www.bodyinsight101.com/kneeex.htmhttp://www.drlintner.com/PFPrehab.htm ******READ, GOOD INFO HERE******Beth Yohnk <yohnkmomsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Hi everyone: As you know Hannah has been in a flare for about a month now. We saw the ped 2 weeks ago and he was concerned about her left knee. Her knee was way

too loose and he has her wearing a support for all activities, as he is concerned about injury. We see the pain doctor on Tuesday and I want to push for more testing to find a real diagnosis. That being said I have a question about swelling. I'm sure lots of you have kids with knee involvement and that is where I need your feedback. On the great advice of a good friend of mine who just had double knee replacements, I have been measuring Hannah's knees twice a day. Once right when she gets up and again right before bed. I have noticed swelling, but of course, you can't see anything in a photo. She swells roughly an inch to an inch and a half above the knee cap. The measurements on both knees fluctuate from anywhere from a 1/4 to 1/2 inch between morning and evening. I made marks on her legs so that I am measuring in the same spot every time.

I take a tape measure and measure around the leg. Now my question, when your kids swell is this the area they swell or do they swell on the knee itself? Every time I bring something abnormal up to the specialists, they blow it off and I'm frustrated with that. Her ped has been the most supportive and truly seems the most concerned. What do you all think about Hannah's swelling? Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines Sending prayers & happy thoughts, Beth :-) Moody friends.

Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Games.

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[Guest guest]

e:

Thanks for the links. I will read all of them eventually. I did read the Dr. Linter link and it was quite informative. It will be interesting to see the doc on Tuesday thinks. She is exercising the knee already. We have done PT several time and have the exercises. She is also dancing a few times a week and we have been taking daily walks. The brace is by no means meant for strengthening, only to help prevent injury during activities.

Thanks again.

Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

Re: swelling question

Beth,From what our doctor told us the only way to help an unstable knee is through Physical Therapy and a home exercise program, all the bracing in the world will not help. She needs to strengthen the quadricep muscles in her thighs which will give more stability to the knees. I will include some links for you. The swelling from our docs position is from the instability and the irritation that occurs. It is worth checking out and trying in my opinion. Joint swelling will occur at/around the joint or back of of the knee. The knee will look like an orange or grapefruit. My daughter always feels better when they are grapefruits because it cushions the joint. The upper knee/lower thigh swelling is due to the unstable joint not arthritic condition according to the many many people we have seen.http://seniorliving .about.com/ od/basicexercise series/ss/ kneeexercise_ 3.htmhttp://www.bigkneep ain.com/knee- exercises. htmlhttp://www.expertvi

llage.com/ interviews/ knee-exercises- physical- therapy.htmhttp://www.bodyinsi ght101.com/ kneeex.htmhttp://www.drlintne r.com/PFPrehab. htm ******READ, GOOD INFO HERE******Beth Yohnk <yohnkmomsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi everyone:

As you know Hannah has been in a flare for about a month now. We saw the ped 2 weeks ago and he was concerned about her left knee. Her knee was way too loose and he has her wearing a support for all activities, as he is concerned about injury. We see the pain doctor on Tuesday and I want to push for more testing to find a real diagnosis.

That being said I have a question about swelling. I'm sure lots of you have kids with knee involvement and that is where I need your feedback. On the great advice of a good friend of mine who just had double knee replacements, I have been measuring Hannah's knees twice a day. Once right when she gets up and again right before bed. I have noticed swelling, but of course, you can't see anything in a photo. She swells roughly an inch to an inch and a half above the knee cap. The measurements on both knees fluctuate from anywhere from a 1/4 to 1/2 inch between morning and evening. I made marks on her legs so that I am measuring in the same spot every time. I take a tape measure and measure around the leg.

Now my question, when your kids swell is this the area they swell or do they swell on the knee itself? Every time I bring something abnormal up to the specialists, they blow it off and I'm frustrated with that. Her ped has been the most supportive and truly seems the most concerned. What do you all think about Hannah's swelling?

Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.Play Sims Stories at Games.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Michele. I've taken a few pictures of her rash and will start

taking pictures of her joints when they are swollen. I'm glad I have

you guys to ask these questions to....you can only get so much info

from the web!

>

> Yes that is normal. They do not always have the swelling. Some days

my

> son's toes (or fingers) would be swollen, sometimes not. That is why

> people say to keep a journal or take pictures of the symptoms you

can

> see, because some days when you go to dr the swelling is minimal.

Hope

> this helps, Michele (20, spondy)

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: [mailto: ] On

> Behalf Of Micah Barton

> Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 7:40 AM

>

> Subject: Swelling Question

>

>

>

> I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Thanks everyone for all

your

> advice on my last post...it was very helpful.

>

> MC's toe was always swollen for 7 weeks but now it's more like it

> comes and goes. One day it will look pretty good and then the next

> day she wakes up and it's swollen again. Same with her finger. She

> doesn't complain about it as much as she did at first.

>

> Is this normal? I guess in my mind I thought if it was swollen to

> start with then it would stay that way...

>

> Thanks!

> Micah

> Mom to 2.5 PFS??

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Micah,

is going on her 18th year with JA. All these years with the

swelling issue. can flare with swelling or she can flare without

swelling. I do remember that when she was younger she would have to write in

school

and within 10 or 15 minutes her hand would swell so bad. It would take a few

hours for it to go down. When she swells now it is there for several days.

When she had her worse flare she stayed swelled up for Months as her left leg

was 3 times the size of her right leg. Swelling can come and go with JA. They

can flare with or without swelling.

I tell everyone to take measurements of the joints as this can help when

swelling is not seen good with the eye. This also helps when talking with the

Dr over the phone. As he can tell by the Measurement how much swelling is

going on. You can actually give the Dr a measurement to keep in the childs file

so if you have to call him he can look at it. Taking pictures helps as well.

With this day and time of Technology. Take a picture and send to the Dr via

email lololol. Saves a trip to the office most of the time. Taking a picture

of a rash and sending it to him will help as well. If you have a Video Camera

take some Video and date it. This can help you as well. How you may ask? If

you Video how the child is at home and you visit the Dr take this with you so

he can see what is going on at home. Since a Doctor is never around when

thing's happen the next best thing to being there is video. :-).

Always date the Documents such as Video and Pictures. Always keep the

originals with you and let the Dr have a copy.

Robbin

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