DEAR DR. GOTT:
Four months ago I injured my arthritic knee while getting into a car. I thought I had twisted it or strained a ligament because it hurt so much at the time. Four days later my knee was stiff and I could hardly move it.

At that point, I decided it was time to see my physician who concluded that I needed a cortisone shot because I probably had fluid on my knee. She referred me to an orthopedist for the shot. Unfortunately it didn’t help. I was then referred for physical therapy. After only two sessions, I was told I needed to go back to the orthopedist. The physical therapist wouldn’t tell me why but called ahead to the doctor and spoke to him directly. When I got there I was told I had a Baker’s cyst and would need a knee replacement. I was further advised not to rush into the surgery because the cyst might improve to the point where the pain would lessen to a manageable level. [Read more...]