Thanks everybody for the input. I read each post, just haven't logged in as I didn't have any news. Been using one of those gel pad things to ice my knee a few times each evening. Made it to the Dr. today and his diagnosis is gout. Apparently with most people it starts in the feet & ankles, but for some it may start in other joints. His diagnosis is based on results of past blood work, some other health problems I have/had, a few questions and a relatively cursory physical exam. Told me to: lose weight; remove alcohol, coffee, tea, soda and any other sources of caffeine from diet; stop eating shellfish and organ meat; reduce consumption of meat & fish; increase water consumption. If this does not work he may put me on meds, but he doesn't want to if possible to avoid as there are sub-optimal long term effects from the meds. So, looks like additional diet modification for me!
On the plus side, I managed to have an eye exam today also so now I'm typing this with dilated eyes...
