Knee Popping

luvmydawgs
luvmydawgs Posts: 182 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone, I have just started lurking in the community but I have been using the app for a long time on and off. I ALWAYS get this to this point.
I can see results everything is looking good. A few more months and I know I will have the body I want, and BAM my knee starts acting up.

Last time I saw I doctor they wanted to do an MRI, well I don't have the money for that. So I just quick working out. It got better I started working out. Then of course my knee starts to hurt then I quit, what's the point. Now here we go again.....

Is there ANYTHING I can do for this stupid knee pain and popping? A brace? If so what kind? Should I just suck it up and put an MRI on my credit card?

Replies

  • luvmydawgs
    luvmydawgs Posts: 182 Member
    Bump
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    I don't know how serious it is so ignore this advice if you are in serious pain and there is something really wrong.

    I have been squatting (with weight) for around 10 months to a year. My knee is 100% better. I now have 0 pain. When I started, I used to have to take ibuprofen before and after to just get through them but I felt, at the time, that building up the muscle surrounding my knee was the only way to go. Kill or cure. It has worked for me. Full '*kitten* to the grass' squats, so as not to cause an imbalance.

    If this sounds like it would help, I'd highly recommend giving 'starting strength' a read. I know it's not for everyone though and, like it say, don't try it if you think it'll make things worse.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    You might just need to suck it up and do the MRI.

    You weren't very specific so I have to ask - what kind of workouts were you doing and have you tried doing something more low key instead? It's my understanding that lower impact exercises can be tolerated more easily for those with knee issues - like biking, swimming, elliptical, walking, etc. Avoid any exercises that include jumping, running and the like. I have some issues with my left knee due to a bad sprain several years ago so I have to take it easy now and then if it acts up. Even strength training can be modified - I'll lower the amount of weight or do strictly body weight moves for a while.

    Another thought - a friend of mine did one of those depletion diets (no gluten, soy, dairy) and discovered her knee popping and discomfort got better and she figured out it was a reaction due to dairy intolerance. Similarly, another friend noticed less discomfort in her hands and figured out it was part of a gluten intolerance. I know this is somewhat controversial and that's only anecdotal evidence but it's something to consider.
  • angiewf
    angiewf Posts: 171 Member
    I had an MRI on my knee (fortunately it's free on NHS in Britain) and it showed worn cartilage due to arthritis. There is something called miniscus cartilage which can be damaged and cause pain. Cartilage takes a long time to heal.Trouble is if you've torn or damaged a cartilage or ligament it can destabilise your knee. Might be worth going for the MRI if you can.
  • mmsilvia
    mmsilvia Posts: 459 Member
    If I were you I would listen to your doctor and do the MRI. You wouldn't want to cause more damage.

    When I run and do weights I wear a knee brace to help support my knee. If my knee is really bother me I will do yoga or pillates.

    Good luck!!
  • All_Out_Attack
    All_Out_Attack Posts: 63
    I've had knee problems. I have found that taking a joint supplement helps me, personally. I tore a ligament in my knee about a year and a half ago and had to stop doing barbell squats for a while, but I have found that strengthening the muscles around my knee has been the best thing.
    Why does he want to do an MRI? Does he have some idea what is causing the pain? Usually insurance companies won't cover MRIs until an xray has been obtained. If the MRI is only to confirm a suspected diagnosis, then maybe just assume the doctor is correct and treat accordingly? If you treat it conservatively and the pain doesn't stop, then maybe an MRI would be in order.
  • luvmydawgs
    luvmydawgs Posts: 182 Member
    Thanks everyone it is just a squeaky pop. The doctor didn't seem too worried, I guess everything really bad he said he would be able to feel. So he wanted to do the MRI to see what it was since it wasn't anything that he could "feel."

    It's not a horrible pain but its annoying. I guess I want to just fight through and get in shape. I mostly lift with machines, do squats, lunges, and run. ALL of which affect my knee.

    I guess to start with I should get a knee brace...

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