Since SED, SMD, and Kniest affect all the bones, problems in the knee may symptoms but not the cause of the problem. For example, if you knee is bothering you, the cause may be your hip. Your medical team needs to look at the big picture. Focusing only on the area causing you pain may miss problems that need to be treated.
Though joint problems can be more complicated in people with Kniest, SED, and SMD, they can be prevented, managed, and treated. You should not have to settle for the attitude of “You’re a dwarf, get used to knee problems” from any member of your medical team. Do your own research before medical appointments and make sure you leave with a treatment plan both you and your doctor are satisfied with.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) knee problems page: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/kneeprobs/kneeqa.htm. Information about how knees work, knee injuries and problems, injury prevention, and links for more information. This is a good page to start learning about knees.
- Familydoctor.org’s Knee page, http://familydoctor.org/x2565.xml, has a useful tree diagram with symptoms, potential diagnoses, and self-care. There is a charge for viewing this information.
- For questions about to ask your surgeon about a knee or hip surgery, visit http://www.yoursurgery.com/‘s page on limb surgeries: http://www.yoursurgery.com/Procedures.cfm?BR=5
- Search Adaptive Living Page for tips for living with knee problems.
- Money to pay for health care
KSG Information and Support Website 