Should I be concerned?

Hello @simplyvee, Welcome to Connect. You mentioned you don't do sports anymore. The symptoms you describe sound similar to patellofemoral pain syndrome (aka runner’s knee). Here's an article that you might find helpful:

"Why is my knee hot and throbbing?
Burning in the front of the knee is often caused by an overuse injury known as runner's knee – also referred to as chondromalacia or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS). As well, it could be tendonitis caused by the inflammation of the patellar tendon."
-- Burning in Knee: Causes and Treatments:
https://www.healthline.com/health/burning-in-knee

I know you have talked with your doctor without much help. Have you discussed the possibility of getting an X-ray of the knee for possible damage?

Yes agree simple X-rays then possibly mri to start also find a top notch physical therapist. Has anyone checked your uric acid blood level for gout a type of arthritis

Hi John, thank you for the reply!
So I’m currently 27 years old and I stopped doing sports at 18–so it’s truly been a long time. I don’t do any strenuous activities anymore so I think that’s where a lot of my concern of coming from. It’s not shown in the photos I posted but I also keep randomly popping up with bruises on my legs and back. So it’s all unexplainable to me given I don't do anything (like bumping into anything or running or anything like that to be causing it). It’s just strange to me.

I have already messaged me PCP and I’m hoping she’ll order an x-ray to find out what might be going on. I do thinks that my best bet as it’s just getting progressively worse.

Thank you for the reply! I agree, I’m hoping to get in to have an X-ray asap. If my PCP won’t order it, I’ll just have to go through urgent care or something because it needs to be checked out.

I haven’t had my uric acid checked; not that I’m aware of but that’s something I’ll keep in mind for when I see a doctor. My PCP in November did a basic CBC. All looked normal and no signs of anemia or thyroid issues, etc., but I just found out that that doesn’t really rule out that there’s nothing wrong esp given the noticeable symptoms and oddities. 😕 I just hope it gets figured out sooner rather than later because it’s starting to truly affect my day to day life. I’m definitely confused as well how I’m bruising so easily and out of nowhere given my labs showed no signs of anemia. So strange.

Uric acid level is not part of cbc it has to be ordered as part of blood work

I am no Doctor but I do know that there are times when
either changing PCP or find another doctor out of the range of this one, can be very beneficial. It is very sad to be just sluffed off like nothing is wrong. I have been through the same situation. Also I am not dogmatic about this as it is something to think on.
Best of luck in 2023.

Thank you for the kind words & I agree, I think the same. 🫂 Best or luck to you! I’m sorry you’ve experienced it as well. I get why it happens and doctors are just human after all, but it doesn’t excuse brushing patients off or not looking and checking things. It’s disheartening.

Have you had a consultation with a rheumatologist? Unexplained bruising, especially with unrelated, unexplained joint pain, can be an autoimmune issue, if blood disorders have been ruled out.

Hi, thank you for the reply. No I haven’t had one and I haven’t had any blood disorders ruled out either. I saw my PCP back in November and was brushed off. I’ve already tried to schedule an appointment and sent in multiple photos but have yet to hear anything. 😕 I had my mom come take a look and I’m keeping an eye on things as it’s just getting worse despite resting. I do suspect something’s up with my immune system as I continue to keep getting sick with colds etc., monthly for about a year now. I generally just feel under the weather & now with the leg randomly swelling, etc., it’s all of concern. My mom is an RN and today she seemed a bit more concerned once she also noticed I have a hard large lump at the nape of my neck, bruises randomly including on my back, and even some lumps on my ankles and head. So long story short, I’m likely just going to urgent care or emergency to try and get a scan done because it’s definitely not normal. I’m honestly nervous. 🥺

Sending a hug, though I imagine your mother has that covered. She knows the system and will be your best advocate.