Runner's Knee?

ElizabethOakes2

Doc says my recent knee problems and hip bursitis flare-ups are due to "Runner's Knee" and is sending me to physical therapy. He gave me a long list of do's and don't's but honestly, the things he recommended for exercise (strider machine, recumbent bike, etc) are all so boring. I want to be out on the trail. I'd swim, but we've had some truly icky things going on with our gym's pool and I'm almost scared of what I'll encounter when I go back!)

Anyone out there with runner's knee? How did you stay fit while healing and re-training your leg muscles?

ClubSilencio

Does your gym have an Arc-Trainer machine? I've found that's the closest to mimicking running when recovering from an injury. It's easy on the joints.

ElizabethOakes2

Ooh! I'll check. I can't use a lot of the 'elliptical' type machines because the side-side motion puts strain on my spine but from reading about the Arc it has a bunch of different settings. Thanks!

NikolaosKey

Me for about a month. I did elliptical it does not affect knees at all. Also, run slow in soft ground but remember the time you feel even a tiny pain stop and start walking. Dont run again the same day. Also use a knee sleeve it helps. Put hot surface before running and ice after. Ice is the alpha and omega here. Apply for 20 min for every 4-5 hrs.

ElizabethOakes2

Thanks, Nikolaos! All good advice. Part of my brain is still in 'dancer' mode and chants "Work through the pain!" even though I know it's the wrong thing to do. I'm learning!

BrianSharpe

If your doctor is a GP I'd ask for a referral to a sports medicine clinic.

runnersworld.com/tag/runners-knee