Working out with pain

tauress26
tauress26 Posts: 9
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi! So I was diagnosed with a knee thing years and years ago from rowing crew in college. Dr. said it was a common injury that really couldn't be treated. But in the last few weeks, its flared up again and gets so painful that I have to get off the treadmill. With my first half marathon in March, I'm worried that not running will slow me down. So the question is: do you continue to work out with pain? I won't run today since the pain is crazy but just curious how others handle pain, especially runners and their knees. Thanks!

Replies

  • jules1202
    jules1202 Posts: 65
    Go to a new dr (preferably an orthopedic dr) and get a check up. I wouldn't just accept one dr. saying deal with it. I had dr's tell me that about my knee (military dr's) and then later found that physical therapy was a huge help. Also you may want to do a little research into if you are wearing the right shoes for your gait (i.e. provides the right support for how you walk/run)
  • jules1202
    jules1202 Posts: 65
    Sorry, double post
  • ammiehill79
    ammiehill79 Posts: 31 Member
    do you know what part of the knee is giving you trouble? An orthopedic doctor can give you suggestions as to what kind, if any, brace or band you could wear while running to help allievate the pain.
  • tauress26
    tauress26 Posts: 9
    Yes, the condition is Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome. It has to do with the knee cap. The trusty internet MD says that a knee brace can be used, but is that when I'm running, or stationary I wonder? It's sooooo frustrating!
  • jules1202
    jules1202 Posts: 65
    Ok, that is basically what I have too and physical therapy was a huge help for me. My kneecap was misaligned so it was going up and down in more of an L shape motion than straight up and down and PT helped build my quad muscles to help pull things into alignment. Taping my knee (as in wrapping my knee whith medical tape by the physical therapist) to put it in the right position while working out was also a big help. I still have knee problems but nowhere near as bad as before because of the PT and shoes made for people who over-pronate (turn feet in). I wouldn't use a brace unless a dr. advises you to because you can actually weaken the muscles and worsen the problem unintentionally.

    Here is what I am talking about with taping: ""Orthosis and taping - In addition to physical therapy, external devices such as patellofemoral knee orthosis and tape could be used to stabilize the knee. These orthoses will not correct the underlying source but may prevent further injury. For this reason, they should be used in conjunction with and not in lieu of physical therapy. The technique of McConnell taping involves pulling the patella medially with tape (medial glide). The underlying goal of taping is multifaceted and intended to correct the position of the patella, increase vastus medialis oblique activation, and stretch the tight lateral structures of the patella leading to pain reduction and facilitating strengthening exercises of the quadriceps. Studies have shown that patella taping may reduce pain and potentially increase the activity of the VMO""
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patellofemoral_pain_syndrome

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