I'll try anything! I'm 45, male, never smoker or illegal drugs, hypertension controlled with Metoprolol (Lopressor). Very rarely do I have alcohol anymore. Married & 2 kids.
Ok, I've had pain in back of both knees and down legs for over 5 years. I have had lots of testing and seen several doctor specialties... It started as a tingling in both knees for three days, went away for three weeks, then came back as a painful sensation and has worsened over the years. Right now it's quite painful and distracting as I type this. Some times I can block it out and not think about it. Maybe because I'm accustomed to it. But it's really hard to ignore it most times. I do excercise 2-3 times a week on the treadmill for 20 minutes at 3.5 to 4mph and inclines starting at 3 and increasing to 10 degrees. Not jogging because left knee has mild meniscus tear.
General Physician: vein sonogram, PAD test w/ 4 pressure cuffs on each leg, physical therapy sessions.
Neurology Doctor: MRI of lower spine, EMG nerve conductivity in legs, haven't seen him in 2 years. Maybe I should go back for more opinions.
Orthopedic Doctor: repeated EMG nerve conductivity in legs 2 years later (found mild neuropathy in right leg only), tried a few different drugs like Neurotin injection of corto-steroid in front side of knees (no effect).
Vascular surgeon: popliteal artery sonograms, more drugs, recommended quinine tonic water.
Rheumatology doctor's: CAT scan in legs (looking for muscle tears), Voltaren Gel, injection of lidocane mixture (if I remember right) again in front of knees (again no effect).
And that's it so far. I'm sick and tired of being a medical mystery! Opiod drugs were suggested to me on another board, but the rheumatology doctor said it would help for a little while then require larger dosages and get additive.
Then there are the big centers like Mayo Clinic, John Hopkin's, Cleveland, that I could have to take vacation and travel to see.
I see my general physician again for my hypertention checkup and need some ideas. Please help! Thank you for your time.