Knee issues ongoing for 5 months - Ortho can't find anything obvious

Hi all

Adding some context for mod purposes - I'm female, in my 30s, usually active and BMI is 24.

I posted a while ago about my posterior knee pain/pressure which got worse gradually over weeks. Then pain in the front alongside around the sides of my knee cap. My GP thought I had a cyst, ultrasound came back NAD. Xray showed some effusion. Doppler was NAD. In between all these scans Over Dec/Jan my leg got worse and I needed time off work. Only pain killers that helped and are still helping are strong NSAIDS. Im back at work now but only doing light duties. I finally had an MRI 2 weeks ago and saw the Ortho consultant today. basically my MRI is normal.

He said I have some effusion anteriorly and I have some Plica formation but he said a lot of people have this and wouldnt explain the issues with posterior pain. Did an examination and made me do some stretches in the appt. Got swelling above knee. So now I'm at a loss? He recommended physio and is going to refer me to a soft tissue specialist - who on researching might actually be a rhuematologist. I do wonder since my pain has eased with the NSAID is is inflammation based but no obvious cause? I even have a negative rhuematoid factor blood test lol and negative for connective tissue disorders.

So now I look a bit crazy as I have this knee issue but no obvious cause? Hoping physio will help me, but im disappointed. The Dr said some people have knee issues with no obvious cause and its just a case of moving as much as you can and managing the pain as best you can. Its frustrating as even though its somewhat better it still doesnt feel 'normal' and Can't stay on NSAIDs forever.

Anyone else have a similar issue and not been able to get a diagnosis?