Under kneecap pain
First post here! If there’s a better place to post this please give me suggestions! I will probably cross post. Here’s a little background about me:
I’m 26F. 148 lbs, 5’5”.
Diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder called hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome at the end of 2024. This is basically a disorder that affects your collagen production and makes your joints loose and hyperextendible. Knee/meniscus problems run on my dad’s side of the family. I’ve had 3 surgeries to treat bunions on my feet when I was 9-10 years old, and a left ankle surgery to repair torn ligaments and debridement early last year.
I work a part-time job with toddlers 5 days a week. I work part-time because I have trouble working full-time without getting mentally or physically overwhelmed to the point of quitting, however sometimes I will come in earlier than my usual time/work extra hours when asked.
May 7, I was asked to work a full shift, 8 hours. 8:30-4:30. I usually work 2:00-5:30. (I know, baby hours but it’s the part-time hours that were available when I started. My hours increase in the summer though.) I was given the opportunity to work a full shift before, but I declined it by coming in early for a couple hours, clocking out to go back home for a couple hours, then coming back. I had a break in between.
Anyways as mentioned, I was asked to work a full shift on May 7. A full shift of squatting/bending my knees to pick up toddlers, and toddler items, but I was also able to sit down as needed. I accept, I want to test this out, see how I do. I did not have a break, not sure if I qualified for one, and didn’t want to ask because they seemed to need me.
This brings me to the results of that day. Almost 2 weeks ago, I developed an aching front pain under my left kneecap as I was working. I can walk okay but it flares when I press on it with my finger, when I squat/bend my knees, go up/downstairs and when I run/jog. My right knee is fine, it’s just my left knee that hurts. Last night I was in bed laying face down in bed, extending and flexing my left knee, and it would grind/pop/crack everytime I bent it ? Not exactly sure how to describe it. It has only happened in that position so far. Perhaps it’s important to note that my knees are hypermobile. I have flat feet. I also have a confirmed torn labrum in my left hip, and suspected lateral pelvic tilt (left hip higher than right hip) with chronic lower back pain, particularly on my right side, probably QL or SI joint issues but not sure, doctors seem to not take me seriously, and sometimes I don’t even take myself seriously. I digress.
I’ve Googled of course, to get an idea of what it could be and keep coming across runner’s/jumper’s knee/patellofemoral pain syndrome. I know Google isn’t a doctor however.
Is persistent knee pain for almost 2 weeks after working a full 8 hours normal when I usually work 3-4 hour days?
Was working 8 hours straight spontaneously a bad idea because my body isn’t used to it and that’s why my knee is reacting this way?
I also need to note I do exercise! 10-40 minutes of cardio/body weight training (I follow Growwithjo) and some physical therapy exercises I was prescribed when I did physical therapy and full body stretches 4-5 days a week!
Does my connective tissue disorder play a role if it’s not the culprit?
I guess what I’m trying to see is if this is an urgent care situation? A PCP situation? A situation that I should try to fix at home with pain medication, rest, or knee strengthening exercises? Would a knee brace help? Has anyone experienced anything similar? Not looking for an online diagnosis of course, just input on my next move.
If you read through all this thank you, I probably said more than I had to, I tend to over explain.