I have severe degenerative joint disease in my left knee. For the past 2 months my knee has been very swollen and extremely painful. I have been waiting a month for the appt. for the dr that did the last 3 surgeries on this knee. This knee is so swollen and painful, I can't sleep or get any relief. I have tried cold compress, moist heat, bio-freeze, Norco and Tramadol. Nothing is working? Is there something else I can do? Should I just go to ER?

Is the swelling and pain because of the joint disease or is it in addition to the joint disease. I would be worried about a number of things here that can be none too good.

My rule of thumb is that if your quality of life is severely affected than go to the ER. If you can't sleep, go. Don't question it, just go. If anything they can treat some of the symptoms and give you some relief.