Knee problems

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bcdudley1
bcdudley1 Posts: 26 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am sure this is not the best forum for this, but thought I would ask anyway. A few weeks ago, I started doing some leg presses, nothing to heavy, around 180 pounds or so. My knee started having some issues later that night so I immediately stopped. I have still been doing elliptical and other cardio, just avoiding lower body strength training.

My knee doesn't really hurt, it just feels like something isn't right in it. Whenever I walk, it sometimes feels like it is going to give out on me, but it has not done that yet. Also, normal movements that slightly twist the knee seem to exaggerate it. It almost feels like there is a small rubber bouncy ball in my knee when I am walking, but I cannot feel anything there with my hand. It is just below the knee cap in the middle of where the 2 bones would meet and a little to the outside. I do have osgood schlatters in that knee, but I have had it since I was a teenager and it hasn't really bothered me for the last 20 something year. That is also lower down on my knee so not sure if it is related.

Probably going to schedule an appt with a doc soon, but I wanted to see if anyone else had anything like this and what your experience was. I would like to start doing squats, however I am hesitant to with my knee acting up.

Replies

  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,292 Member
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    I am always very testy about any knee problems - they are just that important.
    I'd rest it for real, maybe even wearing a knee brace for normal activities, until the pain/issue is well and truly done. (They say it takes twice as much time to actually heal as it takes for the symptoms to disappear).
    And, if it doesn't go away in a day or two, seriously think about having it checked out.

    And next time you consider strength training, triple check your form :wink:
  • RunMyOregonBunsOff
    RunMyOregonBunsOff Posts: 862 Member
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    It sounds to me (life educated on the matter and far from a doctor) that you might have hyper extended it a little. I am guessing you locked your knees or fully straightened your legs when you were doing your leg press. Rest it up for a few days. Keep a slight bend in your knees when you do leg press next time.
  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
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    maybe invest in some KT Tape. that thing works wonders.
  • dbanks80
    dbanks80 Posts: 3,685 Member
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    maybe invest in some KT Tape. that thing works wonders.

    What is KT Tape? I have knee issues when i run.
  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
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    maybe invest in some KT Tape. that thing works wonders.

    What is KT Tape? I have knee issues when i run.

    choose knee

    https://www.kttape.com/instructions/
  • R_Woodruff
    R_Woodruff Posts: 74 Member
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    I tore my acl and miniscus about 5 years ago due to my knee cap popping out of place. Now even after having surgery to fix the problem it still feels like it's going to happen again. On those days I wear my knee brace while working out and it keeps everything locked into place like it should be. I know that feeling though it's kind of an eerie one and it doesn't feel good at all!
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
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    Do you stretch?

    If you don't, it's probably your hamstrings and quads shortening. Both of those muscles wrap around your knee. If not lengthened, constant knee pain will happen and get worse over time.

    The fix: Bend over and touch your toes 3 times a day for a week.

    You can send half your co-pay to:

    Leading Muscle M.D.
    MFP Reward Dr.
    Gotham City, NJ 08028
  • BARBnKS
    BARBnKS Posts: 84 Member
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    Thanks for the info about KT tape! I've not been able to find a knee brace that fits properly so this could be very helpful to get moving again, at least to be able to walk more.
  • bcdudley1
    bcdudley1 Posts: 26 Member
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    I scheduled an appt. with the doc tomorrow so I will see what he says. It has been 3 weeks and no progress in either direction so I would rather play it safe. I have been wearing an Ace knee stabilizer during workouts and strenuous activity. When I have that on, everything is fine. My knee moves like it is supposed to and does not have that feeling that it is about to give out. I feel like I could jog a marathon. The second I take it off, it feels all loose again.
  • bcdudley1
    bcdudley1 Posts: 26 Member
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    I do stretch, but maybe not enough. If it was a stretching issue, would the problem go away when I put on an Ace knee stabilizer, then immediately re-appear as soon as I take it off? No sarcasm intended, just an honest question.
  • dbanks80
    dbanks80 Posts: 3,685 Member
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    maybe invest in some KT Tape. that thing works wonders.

    What is KT Tape? I have knee issues when i run.

    choose knee

    https://www.kttape.com/instructions/

    Thanks!
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
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    I do stretch, but maybe not enough. If it was a stretching issue, would the problem go away when I put on an Ace knee stabilizer, then immediately re-appear as soon as I take it off? No sarcasm intended, just an honest question.

    Yes, it may.

    Have you tried stretching your hammy yet? It should feel a little better after holding a 30 second stretch a few times.
  • MarineCodie
    MarineCodie Posts: 256 Member
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    I agree with the stretching/tight hammy! I get some tendonitis flare ups if I'm lazy and don't stretch. Also, invest in a foam roller for gluteus, hams, quads and IT band… hurts so good...
  • loubidy
    loubidy Posts: 440 Member
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    See a doctor ASAP just in case. If you knacker your knee then that's it. It's not like a broken bone that will be healed in a few months, some joint injuries can turn serious. I have dodgy cartilage in my right knee and got referred to physio for it and at the moment I can't do "normal" squats with weights, only sumo until the exercises from my physio strengthens the muscles.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
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    or ask your doctor to see if it's bursitis. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/basics/definition/con-20015102 . You have described my knee problem precisely, and it just started happening on Monday. I do a lot of squats, lunges, deadlifts, over head squats with dumbbells, etc and I think my knees are telling me to slow down. Yesterday was bad, I was scared to put any pressure on my right leg (although it doesn't hurt, it feels like it won't hold me up). My BFF is a nurse, and she told me that's what it was because I've been doing so much repetative motion. If it doesn't heal soon, I'm going to ask the sports therapist at my gym. Good luck! Hope you get better soon.
  • SantaCruizer
    SantaCruizer Posts: 14 Member
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    You should have a specialist check out the joint as soon as possible. An unstable knee could be a result of one of the four ligaments that give it stability (ACL, PCL, LCL & MCL). Do not stress it until you've had it looked at. If you snap one of these ligaments, well... you don't want to even think about it. It'll affect you for the rest of your life. GET IT LOOKED AT!
  • rubyredargyle
    rubyredargyle Posts: 49
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    I just had surgery to repair a torn ACL so the best advice I have is to get in immediately. If your knee doesn't feel fully stable then don't risk it. Slap a knee brace on it and get in to see a specialist immediately. The worst that happens is you pay for a single visit and they tell you it's all in your head. However if you leave it, the worst could be problems now that could lead to worse problems later if untreated. Torn ligaments are not fun and don't always heal themselves.

    If you can find a potential problem before it becomes a full blown problem, you'll save yourself $$$THOUSANDS$$$ of dollars in the long run and the MONTHS of inactivity of having to heal.

    but that's just my experience.

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