My knee X-ray and MRI are normal, but my knee still hurts. Why?

Pain from outside the knee

• The hip: arthritis or other hip problems often refer pain to the front and inner knee
• The lower back: a trapped nerve root can cause pain, tingling or weakness around the knee
• Nerves around the knee: the saphenous nerve on the inner side, or the common peroneal nerve on the outer side, can be irritated after surgery or pressure
• Blood vessels: rarely, circulation problems or a clot cause calf and knee pain

Knee problems that scans can miss

• Patellofemoral pain: very common, and MRI is often normal
• Tendon and bursa problems, such as pes anserine bursitis on the inner knee
• Early cartilage softening that is subtle on imaging
• Muscle weakness and tightness changing how load passes through the knee
• Scans done in the wrong position: standing X-rays show narrowing that lying views can hide

What usually helps next

Bring all previous images and reports. Note exactly where it hurts, what triggers it, and whether you have back, groin or buttock pain, tingling or numbness. A fresh, careful examination of the hip, spine and knee often answers more than another scan. Sometimes a hip X-ray, a nerve test or a diagnostic injection is useful to confirm the source.

Getting a second look in Doha

At Aman Hospital Dr. Gelber reviews your previous scans, examines the whole leg and back, and explains in plain language whether the knee is truly the source. If the cause lies in the hip or spine, he will explain the findings and refer you on, rather than treat a knee that is not the problem.