tense, painful knee- should I see a doctor

[fstptchgrl05]

 My knee has been "messed up"  for a few weeks. I'm not bothered by pain in any part of my body, that comes with running track, but my left knee doesn't hurt, it feels more like it is dislocated. My knee almost always feels stiff, and I feel a lot of pressure. It sort of feels like someone is taking a rubber band and pulling my kneecap in a direction it isn't meant to go in. I would normally just wait for it to heal and not give it a second thought, but this isn't the first time I've had something "go out". About six months ago while playing fastpitch I threw my arm out, and it never seemed to heal- it still pops very loudly and hurts when I throw a softball. I'm only in middle school, is this something to be worried about?

[Freckled_Filly]

Hi there!

I can sympathise totally with the dislocated feeling in your kneecap. I had a skiing accident almost 4 years ago now and am about to have keyhole surgery to get a definite diagnosis but also to fix anything that pops up (perhaps literally) whilst i'm in there! I've had an awful lot of physio and i'm also severely hyperflexible, especially in my elbows and knees. My specialist seems to think my knee-cap may have popped out of place at some point although i can't be sure: i don't remember it happening. Anyway, the point of all this is that i often feel a similar sensation to the one you're describing in my bad knee and so i would recommend that you seek professional advice. I would start by going to your GP and explaining exactly what you've posted on here. He/she will give you some advice either way and may pass you on to someone who knows more about what you're experiencing. either way, no harm will come of it...and you might even get better! Nothing to lose honey! I say go for it!

Best of luck and happy sportsmanship (with a little luck xx)

x Nell x