Swollen Kneecap.
 

Ok, numerous knee problems have been discussed here on the forum in the past, but this one has me a bit perplexed. And before anyone says go see your doctor, I am setting an appointment, but it takes almost two weeks to get in, since this is not an emergency. And it really doesn't seem to be either, which is strange.

So, my kneecap on the right knee is swollen. However, I feel no pain. No stiffness, and no abnormal grinding. Just the normal little sound one hears when flexxing. But the whole cap is swollen. I can feel the bone (kneecap) underneath the puffy tissue, and there is no pain to it, so not a fractured kneecap (I don't think). Just the tissue all around is puffy. And no odd feeling when riding either. Seriously, this one has me wondering.

Normally, I would assume a little bursitis perhaps. With bursitis, a bit of pain or stiffness would normally be noticable. But neither has ocurred. I'm guessing it is a bit of bursa irritation, anti-inflammatorys have had no effect, nor does packing it in ice. Though I only packed it a few times now. So, I'll do it more often. This swelling has been there now for about a month, but hasn't bothered me one bit pain wise.

Any other thoughts?

So, what initiated the swelling? Can you remember a specific event or group of events?

Could it be gout?

Gout can result from abnormally high levels of protein in your diet. It can also be from an injury - although you say that it doesn't hurt...

Gout affects joints - usually the big toe joint, ankle, knee, etc. Not usually the skin side of the knee cap. Although it can't be ruled out. It results not from just any type of protein but mostly DNA - proteins rich in Purines.

You should be able to call around to see an orthopedist relatively quickly. I'd skip the internist/family practice doc if they take forever to get in to see.

Does the area illuminate if you put a penlight up to it? Can you take a few pictures of it? What does it feel like when you push down on it? Ever happen before?

Anyway...

Trust me, if you have gout, you know it. You wont even let a sheet touch your swollen joint because it hurts too much.

Go to your doctor, if they don't know what it is they'll stick a needle in and find out.

Nope. I did a good climb around the time I noticed it (Schweitzer Mtn), but I didn't do anything anymore extraordinary in my riding. Just the same old thing. It just seems to have arrived. If it was an injury of sorts, I'm thinking it would be from other stuff I have been doing, and not necessairly from riding. I'll keep putting ice on it after my rides, and see if it has any effect.

Where is Dr. House when you need him?

More importantly, where is Dr. Cuddy?