Knee trouble - any advice or experience?

Options
AJCM
AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Guys,

My right knee has given me some trouble in the past - I took dance many times a week from the age of 3 to 13, and I remember even back then it feeling like it would hyper-extend and then be weak.

I'm now 32 yrs old, not overweight (anymore - I was 200lbs with each pregnancy), pretty fit, and my right knee it causing slight pain. The more concerning part is that when I climb stairs the right knee sounds like it is cracking / crunching - a faint sound - but there none the less, and my left knee makes no noise and causes no pain. I can walk and run with no discomfort, however lunges cause trouble, and I have not been able to bike for many years, because of the motion to the knee joint feeling uncomfortable.

Any one gone through this? Any ideas about this? My doctor says that because it doesn't cause constant pain, it just needs rest (:ohwell: :huh: ) but I think there is something more there.

Thanks for any advice!
(other than get a second opinion from a doc - which I'm going to do!).
:flowerforyou:
«1

Replies

  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    Hi Guys,

    My right knee has given me some trouble in the past - I took dance many times a week from the age of 3 to 13, and I remember even back then it feeling like it would hyper-extend and then be weak.

    I'm now 32 yrs old, not overweight (anymore - I was 200lbs with each pregnancy), pretty fit, and my right knee it causing slight pain. The more concerning part is that when I climb stairs the right knee sounds like it is cracking / crunching - a faint sound - but there none the less, and my left knee makes no noise and causes no pain. I can walk and run with no discomfort, however lunges cause trouble, and I have not been able to bike for many years, because of the motion to the knee joint feeling uncomfortable.

    Any one gone through this? Any ideas about this? My doctor says that because it doesn't cause constant pain, it just needs rest (:ohwell: :huh: ) but I think there is something more there.

    Thanks for any advice!
    (other than get a second opinion from a doc - which I'm going to do!).
    :flowerforyou:
  • Anna_Banana
    Anna_Banana Posts: 2,939 Member
    Options
    I don't know anything about knees. Sorry. I'm just bumping to keep it at the top of the list so maybe somebody else can help.

    You may want to get a second opinion though. It could be that your cartlige is gone.
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    I don't know anything about knees. Sorry. I'm just bumping to keep it at the top of the list so maybe somebody else can help.

    You may want to get a second opinion though. It could be that your cartlige is gone.

    Thanks Anna - you're a sweet heart!
    :flowerforyou:

    I see this was a pretty stale post - I was hopng someone had a similar experience!
    :ohwell:
  • skiski
    skiski Posts: 173 Member
    Options
    Hey hun,

    I get difficulties in my left knee when excercising and was diagnosised with hyper-mobility syndrom...translates to extra flexible joints which cause weakness and pain after excersing. Dr advised gentle strecthing and low impact exercises as high impact tends to make it worse. I wear a support, warm up & cool down really well and use heat rubs too.

    of course go see you doc and i hope you find out whats up with it xxx

    skiski :flowerforyou:
  • richardwelch
    richardwelch Posts: 38
    Options
    I had an blunt impact injury a year ago. I caused soreness but no loss of function in my leg. Now, over a year later, I will get severe pain occassionally and it seems to click.

    My doctor told me it was probably a torn meniscus (sp?) and that either I could a) suffer with it when it comes, take advil/ naproxen or b) get it cleaned out. The problem with b, according to him, is that removing the meniscus accellerates arthritis, as there is no meniscus replacement at this time.

    I too am somewhat concerned, and I am going to push for an MRI on my next visit, just for my piece of mind.

    Don't forget, these doctors work for you. Insist on getting the attention that you want; you ARE paying for it after all.
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    Hey hun,

    I get difficulties in my left knee when excercising and was diagnosised with hyper-mobility syndrom...translates to extra flexible joints which cause weakness and pain after excersing. Dr advised gentle strecthing and low impact exercises as high impact tends to make it worse. I wear a support, warm up & cool down really well and use heat rubs too.

    of course go see you doc and i hope you find out whats up with it xxx

    skiski :flowerforyou:

    Thanks
    :flowerforyou:
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    I had an blunt impact injury a year ago. I caused soreness but no loss of function in my leg. Now, over a year later, I will get severe pain occassionally and it seems to click.

    My doctor told me it was probably a torn meniscus (sp?) and that either I could a) suffer with it when it comes, take advil/ naproxen or b) get it cleaned out. The problem with b, according to him, is that removing the meniscus accellerates arthritis, as there is no meniscus replacement at this time.

    I too am somewhat concerned, and I am going to push for an MRI on my next visit, just for my piece of mind.

    Don't forget, these doctors work for you. Insist on getting the attention that you want; you ARE paying for it after all.

    Thanks Richard - lots of relatives have arthritis, and one uncle who is a young 60 is now forced to walk with canes because his knees are so bad - that was my fear.

    Hope all is well with yours - I'm going to book another appt right now!
    :flowerforyou:
  • carajo
    carajo Posts: 532 Member
    Options
    Hello, sorry to hear about your knee!!! I also have problems with my right knee. I went to the dr. and after an mri they found a cyst behind my knee causing the pain. Mine is like yours....it doesn't so much hurt as it is irratating.....it does hurt after walking down hill, or running.....i got a cortizone shot, which has helped, but not completely, they said the next stepis to scope it....i am putting that off:grumble: GOOD LUCK....and for sure get the second opinion!!!!
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    Hello, sorry to hear about your knee!!! I also have problems with my right knee. I went to the dr. and after an mri they found a cyst behind my knee causing the pain. Mine is like yours....it doesn't so much hurt as it is irratating.....it does hurt after walking down hill, or running.....i got a cortizone shot, which has helped, but not completely, they said the next stepis to scope it....i am putting that off:grumble: GOOD LUCK....and for sure get the second opinion!!!!

    Hey Carajo! How are you doing? Sorry to hear about your knee - gee we are all in rough shape! :wink:
  • Jillian
    Jillian Posts: 88
    Options
    I have been getting knee pain with exercise. I just started water aerobics and no pain at all, well, no knee pain. It is quite a workout. Maybe you should try it. Good luck.
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    I have been getting knee pain with exercise. I just started water aerobics and no pain at all, well, no knee pain. It is quite a workout. Maybe you should try it. Good luck.

    :flowerforyou: Thanks - maybe I'll give it a whirl! There is no pain, and I don't notice it when exericising, only when climbing stairs. It is odd.
    :ohwell:
  • Nich0le
    Nich0le Posts: 2,906 Member
    Options
    Women suffer from knee pain at a rate of 3 to 1 compared to men, basically because we are built to carry pregnancies and that puts more stress on our hips and knees etc.

    I noticed that I started having knee pain after running or walking for an extended amount of time and it started after I corrected a foot problem. My doctor said in my case that it can be an alignment issue from so many years of overpronation.

    I think with a "cruncy" sound that you should go see an orthopedic doctor to rule out any serious issues. Better to get a real opinion and some possible help over maybe making it worse.

    good luck, I hope your knee feels better soon!
  • greeneggsam
    greeneggsam Posts: 121
    Options
    Have you thought about going to a chiropractor? I've been going for a few months for my right knee, and it at leasts puts off cortizone shots and surgery, which are scary and more expensive (with my insurance at least).
  • burb265
    burb265 Posts: 9
    Options
    My suggestion is find a new doctor! I've had on and off knee pain for decades. I finally got a doctor who wanted to figure out what caused the pain. It took an orthopedic specialist about 3 minutes to figure out what caused the problem. With minimal physical therapy I have rid myself of the pain. I do lots of squats and lunges pain free. I've given up running as that is so hard on old knees but I work out on the Stair Master for up to 45 minutes without pain.
  • cp005e
    cp005e Posts: 1,495 Member
    Options
    I have very similar issues, Amanda. My knee sometimes "creaks" when I go up stairs, and lunges and squats are problematic - it doesn't hurt while I'm doing them, but it always hurts when I stop. I mentioned it once to my doctor a few years ago and she immediately said something about surgery - and I haven't brought it up since! I have been trying to strengthen the muscles around my knees because my understanding is that it helps to relieve the strain and pressure around the joints. I'd be very interested to hear what your doctor has to say. Good luck!
  • jukramer
    jukramer Posts: 39 Member
    Options
    Is it a clicking or creaking? I had issues with my knee several years ago. It felt like something was "catching" or clicking every time I went up or downstairs. It ended up being a piece of cartilage that had broken off and was floating in the knee. I had to have arthroscopic surgery, which laid me up for a bit, but wasn't too bad. Definitely see your doctor about it.
    Good luck!
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    Thanks to everyone!!!

    I'm in Canada and have extended health coverage, so a chiro is covered for me. Do you think a chiropractor would help? I think I'll go see a chiro and another doctor for a second opinion. Thanks again!
    :flowerforyou:
  • AJCM
    AJCM Posts: 2,169 Member
    Options
    Oh - and it's not really a clicking, but rather sound like a gravelly rubbing or grating.
    :ohwell:
  • mamakitty
    mamakitty Posts: 249
    Options
    I started to notice soreness in my knees ever since I started running. I am taking glucosamine (you can get a any drug store), it is supposed to promote movement, help build healthy cartilage and provide lubrication for joints. I take one with vitamin d for bone health. My husband has had congenital knee problems since he was a kid. He is only 29 and had 3 knee surgeries and still needs another. So I know how horrible knee problems can be. It affects a lot of what he can and can't do. So I believe that if you should anything to prevent problems.

    I am actually going to the chiro today for some back issues. I will ask him about knee pain.

    Good luck
  • psyknife
    psyknife Posts: 487 Member
    Options
    If it's just your regular doctor telling you that... go see an orthopedics doctor. Go see someone who specializes in bones/joints/etc.
    If something is really bothering you from a medical standpoint you want a professional opinion... too many people misdiagnose by reading internet opinions.
    Now, I'm definitely not saying that opinions are invalid, but it's also good to get info from a studied source... just to be safe... because your body is not something you want to take "guesses" about.

Categories