Mrs. M is:

• Cheerful, 53-year-old mother of two
  
• English teacher
  
• Fairly healthy most of her life
• Quite active, enjoying golf, walking and hiking, which she tries to do several times a week
• Now complains of right knee pain which has prevented her from continuing past five holes during her golf game
• Pain most severe on movement of the knee, but subsides during a seated rest after the game
• Sometimes knee aches during the night, or when she has to keep the accelerator pressed down during extended driving when visiting her sister who lives several hundred kilometres away
• Not noticed any particular swelling or redness.

Upon further questioning about any previous episodes of knee discomfort:

• Describes an episode some 10 years ago where she "sprained" her knee while skiing, taking several months to get back to her old self
• Recalls needing a brace and some anti-inflammatory medication for it
• She says she does not have any other joint or muscle problems other than the non-troublesome bumps she has noticed over the ends of her index and middle fingers on both hands
• Denies any hip or thigh pain.

General health:

• No other significant medical concerns other than occasional bowel upset
• Having more irregular periods
• Mentions some frustration with the "hot flushes"
• Prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but is not taking it
• Has been taking evening primrose oil (one tablet qd) at the suggestion of a friend
• Also taking ginseng (one tablet tid)
• Interested in taking glucosamine sulfate, as she has heard that it is good for "arthritis"
• On no other prescription medication.