Knee Pain

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RaggedyPond
RaggedyPond Posts: 1,487 Member
in Chit-Chat
So I gots pain in my one knee from running years ago and it still hurts whenever I try to run. So I don't run. But even lunges and jumping around will make it hurt too.

Finally went to the doctor and they think it might be tight hamstrings. So I was given stretches to do for 6 weeks.

I just can't believe that all these years of off and on pain whenever I try to bump up my cardio is just from tight hamstrings. Anybody else have had this experience?

Replies

  • WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr
    WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr Posts: 2,150 Member
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    There could be something else going on besides that, but try the exercises the doc gave you, keep track of the pain, if it doesn't subside or gets worse, go back to doc (if he/she is not an orthopedist, go to one instead) for additional treatment, don't let it go

    I was having pain in my knees from running, jumping, climbing stairs, lunges, squats (pain was sharp and right down the front of the knee cap). Ortho discovered chondromalacia patella and arthritis in both knees (I also have a bone spur and a cyst in one knee).

    Best of luck
  • Go_Mizzou99
    Go_Mizzou99 Posts: 2,628 Member
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    I had pain in my knees, especially doing lunges and squats and for some reason, "uphill" things. Insanity had a lot of jumping which also caused some problems. So...I started taking some over-the-counter glucosamine chondroitin supplements which helps immensely.

    I have a Doctor friend and checked with him before taking this and he said to try it, if it helps, continue. He also said it helps a lot of people.

    I also added cycling to my routine which is low impact...not sure which helped more, cycling, or the glucosamine chondroitin.

    P.S. - I find half dosage works for me.
  • JojoW8183
    JojoW8183 Posts: 540 Member
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    So I gots pain in my one knee from running years ago and it still hurts whenever I try to run. So I don't run. But even lunges and jumping around will make it hurt too.

    Finally went to the doctor and they think it might be tight hamstrings. So I was given stretches to do for 6 weeks.

    I just can't believe that all these years of off and on pain whenever I try to bump up my cardio is just from tight hamstrings. Anybody else have had this experience?

    Tight hamstrings? I recommend getting a second opinion, from an orthopedist as it's their specialty. It could be depleted cartilage, arthritis, misaligned patellas or something else. A general practitioner will not have the expertise to properly diagnose it.

    I'm going in for xrays soon because I have knee pain as well. It's not just when working out.. even walking for more than 10 minutes makes them hurt, I had to stop using the treadmill because of it. Going up stairs, lunges, squats made it even worse. Now I'm just using the elliptical and doing upper body stuff until they figure out what it is.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
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    Tight hamstrings. Seems legit.

    Did he try to sell any green coffee bean extract to you afterwards?
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
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    It could be true... I am in my 3rd week of physical therapy for knee pain and the PT thinks my pain is from weak quads and tight hamstrings. The pain has improved since I've started the strength and stretches he recommended.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
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    While there are plenty of people making light of the diagnosis, there's a good chance that diagnosis is legit. It may seem unrelated at first glance, but a muscle tightness or imbalance (weak hips can also lead to knee pain) can alter your form when running or performing certain exercises and that altered form can lead to knee pain. A friend of mine had knee pain from running that his ortho/PT traced back to weak hips and after several PT sessions for hip mobility/strengthening work, his knee pain completely subsided. I've had to do a lot of hip mobility work for similar reasons and it's made a world of difference - and those exercises came from a PT, after I sat down with a knee specialist ortho. surgeon and had xrays done of my knees (which were fine).

    So even with all the Internet experts laughing it off... I'd stick with the doctor's diagnosis until you have a reason to suspect it's something else, and if you do, I'd consult a doctor (going to a specialist if need be) rather than the Interwebs.
  • RaggedyPond
    RaggedyPond Posts: 1,487 Member
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    Thank you all for the input. I do plan on sticking with the stretching plan. If it does not go away the doc said next would be physical therapy and steroid shots.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,704 Member
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    Thank you all for the input. I do plan on sticking with the stretching plan. If it does not go away the doc said next would be physical therapy and steroid shots.
    PT yes. Shots avoid them if you can. While they help with inflammation, they mask pain and where you might think your fine, you may end up doing more damage if there is any.

    From my experience if you're having knee pain from lunges, squats or any "pushing" movement, it's a quad and patellar tendon issue. Does it hurt just above or below the knee?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
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    It's legit. When I ran, I had nagging knee pain as well. Stretched 3 times a day for a week and it went away fully. Same thing happened to my sis. Healed fully too.

    Here's the best hamstring stretch in the video on this link.

    http://breakingmuscle.com/yoga/help-for-your-shortie-hamstrings
  • LadyRN76
    LadyRN76 Posts: 4,275 Member
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    No one on here has seen your knees or knows your total PMH. Take your doctor's advice and stretch. While yes, you could have patellar maltracking or torn cartilage; it's always better to take one step at a time and start with physical therapy. PT can help relieve many issues and get you back on track.

    I agree with ninerbuff as well. Steroid shots should be considered a last ditch effort after everything else has been examined and thoroughly investigated.

    Best of luck.
  • avameva
    avameva Posts: 15 Member
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    I had pain on the inside of the knee up untill 3 weeks ago, i went for physical therapy and it started to feel fine, but the moment i stopped PT, it hurt again, i then went for a massage and the lady told me to do stretches.

    I have been doing stretches for the past 3 weeks now and things have improved considerably. I still have some pain doing lunges and squats but atleast i don't have pain waking and going up stairs.
  • RaggedyPond
    RaggedyPond Posts: 1,487 Member
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    From my experience if you're having knee pain from lunges, squats or any "pushing" movement, it's a quad and patellar tendon issue. Does it hurt just above or below the knee?

    Below the knee.
  • bennettinfinity
    bennettinfinity Posts: 865 Member
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    I'll side with the 'listen to your doctor' faction. I used to play a lot of squash (lots of lunging and side to side motion) and developed knee pain. Went to a PT and was given some stretches /exercises (mainly centered on hamstrings) which helped immensely. Even to this day if I have knee pain, I start with those same stretches - it can be legit.

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