Advice before seeing ortho doctor

Disclaimer: The purpose of my post is not to replace a doctor's visit, but I'd like to see what people think about my situation first.

Yesterday I went for a run, 3.7miles at a 9:30 pace. I was feeling good so I ran a bit further than my longest distance for the past 2+ years. I usually run between 2-3 miles. I run with compression sleeves on my legs to help with shin splints. Anyway - I did my run around 2pm and I came home, kept the compression sleeves on, and rested. Around 6pm I walked downstairs and my left knee was in so much pain. Every step I took there was just a really sharp pain on the outside portion of my knee area. My leg felt really tight and heavy as well.

Occasionally the pain would go away walking up or down the steps, but I'd say at least 75% of the time it was throbbing (there was no pain when sitting or standing in place). I thought maybe it was just a muscle strain and I could sleep it off. I woke up to the same pain. It hasn't even been 24 hours since the injury happened - but should this be a concern? My knee has never felt like this, so I'm not really sure what it might be. Any thoughts, input, suggestions, etc are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Replies

  • TexasRattlesnake
    TexasRattlesnake Posts: 375 Member
    Any knee pain (especially those that alter how you normally walk or run) is a concern. If something is damaged, not having it tended to can cause terrible long term effects.

    Because it is joint related, your best bet is in fact to get in to see the Dr. who can actually look at and feel what is going on to assess you and provide a treatment plan.

    Wishing you the best!
  • nickhuffman74
    nickhuffman74 Posts: 198 Member
    Either you have Runners Knee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliotibial_band_syndrome) or meniscus/ACL injury.

    I am betting on runners knee. But go get it checked out for sure.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Have you tried using a foam roller (basically a massage of the outside portion of your lower thigh) and ice on the knee? I would start there along with some ibuprofen and see if the pain was starting to dissipate later on today.