Knee problem questions
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HornsUT32
Posts: 163 Member
I was diagnosed with runner's knee and arthritis about a year ago. My doctor told me my only option was to stop running...period. He gave me a steroid shot, and sent me on my way.
Well, I love running...and to stop was NOT an option. I went to another doctor a few weeks later, even though the pain and imflammation was completely gone after the shot. I asked him if there was anyway else to treat runners knee, without giving it up. He looked at my MRI and X-Ray, and definitely agreed with the runner's knee diagnosis, but he said there was absolutely no sign of arthritis. He wanted to do a lateral knee release, but I wasn't ready to jump to surgery...especially since after researching it, I realized it seems to do more harm than good for runner's knee. We decided the best option was to work on building up my quads and other muscles in my legs, and to continue to lose weight. This plan worked for a year, I have hardly had any issued other than slight pain that is taken care of with a few advil.
Skip ahead to about 3 weeks ago. I am a teacher and started my summer break, and increased my workout to twice a day (running in the morning, elliptical at night) as a result. The runners knee seemed to flare up a bit, but then REALLY flared up when I took my running outside. I did everything I know I wasn't supposed to do...I went from 2-3 miles inside, to 5 miles outside. I wasn't stretching or icing...and boy did I pay for it. A few hours after my 5 mile run I was in some serious pain...and my knee was incredibly stiff, which was new to me.
The pain is totally gone, but the stiffness is not. I am not sure how to treat this, and would love some suggestions. In fact, exercising is the only thing that seems to make it better. Elliptical, running...even the bike...the exercise makes my knee feel normal again. With runners knee I would normally tell myself to take a week or two off from running, but it is helping with the stiffness instead of causing more pain. Has anyone had something like this happen?
By the way, I am 32, 5'6 and 193 pounds. I am heavy to be running, but it is so relaxing and such a stress reliever. The last thing I want to do is give it up. Not to mention...when I started running I was 270 pounds...needless to say it has been good for me.
Well, I love running...and to stop was NOT an option. I went to another doctor a few weeks later, even though the pain and imflammation was completely gone after the shot. I asked him if there was anyway else to treat runners knee, without giving it up. He looked at my MRI and X-Ray, and definitely agreed with the runner's knee diagnosis, but he said there was absolutely no sign of arthritis. He wanted to do a lateral knee release, but I wasn't ready to jump to surgery...especially since after researching it, I realized it seems to do more harm than good for runner's knee. We decided the best option was to work on building up my quads and other muscles in my legs, and to continue to lose weight. This plan worked for a year, I have hardly had any issued other than slight pain that is taken care of with a few advil.
Skip ahead to about 3 weeks ago. I am a teacher and started my summer break, and increased my workout to twice a day (running in the morning, elliptical at night) as a result. The runners knee seemed to flare up a bit, but then REALLY flared up when I took my running outside. I did everything I know I wasn't supposed to do...I went from 2-3 miles inside, to 5 miles outside. I wasn't stretching or icing...and boy did I pay for it. A few hours after my 5 mile run I was in some serious pain...and my knee was incredibly stiff, which was new to me.
The pain is totally gone, but the stiffness is not. I am not sure how to treat this, and would love some suggestions. In fact, exercising is the only thing that seems to make it better. Elliptical, running...even the bike...the exercise makes my knee feel normal again. With runners knee I would normally tell myself to take a week or two off from running, but it is helping with the stiffness instead of causing more pain. Has anyone had something like this happen?
By the way, I am 32, 5'6 and 193 pounds. I am heavy to be running, but it is so relaxing and such a stress reliever. The last thing I want to do is give it up. Not to mention...when I started running I was 270 pounds...needless to say it has been good for me.
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Replies
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I cannot answer your question, but I am interested in someone else's opinion as well. I sprained my knee 8 days ago, and have been diagnosed with severe degenerative arthritis in the knee. I cannot run, but I LOVE to walk, and right now, that's out. I am using a recumbent Stationary bike to keep getting in some physical activity, and to keep my muscles from getting too stiff.
I can't wait to hear some of the answers that are sure to be posted!0 -
bump...I'm interested in what others have to say.0
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I understand how you feel since I was told by my doc to shutdown running due to arthritis. Have you tried the foam roller and getting a sports massage? Also I would lose about 50 pounds to relieve the stress on your knees.
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I had problems with my knees last year when I was 35lbs heavier (did too much too soon) and it took around 3-4 months to finally have knees without pain. After treatment with physio, she insisted I use a roller on my quads to loosen them up. It's painful when I do it, but has made the world of difference, so maybe try that.0
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I'm sorry to say that I too cannot produce an answer, but my knee symptoms sound IDENTICAL to yours [I'm extremely heavy to be running] but I have yet to see any sort of doctor. I'd like to pay attention to any answers to this.0
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My doc also sent me a prescription for 4 to 6 visits with a PT in order to strengthen my quads. In the meantime, I am able to do spinning which is a serious burn!! I love to sweat!! LOL!!0
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I am quite a bit older than you are, but I exercise regularly and I like to run, too. I have knee pain in both knees, but especially in my left one. I have found that stretching helps--Yoga, especially. Also, I use a foam roller to roll out my I-T bands (not sure if that is the way to write that, but it is the muscle that runs down the side of my leg.) I had a trainer who suggested that. It helps. Inactivity, like long car rides, makes my knees stiff. Movement helps. Once in awhile, I get severe pain in my left knee, but that is rare. When I am working out or running, I try to make sure I am aligned and solid. I assume that my knee issues are age related, which again, doesn't apply to you. But, maybe some of this will be helpful.0
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does the pain run from your knee up the side of your thigh? if so it is your Iliotibial band (IT) which is to the outside of your thigh...there are specific stretches you can do to help limber the muscle up
I was in the similar boat
Ya never tell me I CANT run again...I've been benched too many times before...
always make sure you have proper running shoes..orhodics if you need them (yeah never though I'd need them, but I have no back pain or shin splints now)
always remember your
R I C E after running are you stretching before you run or after a five minute warm up?...that will make a ton of difference too...I used to stretch cold and then started doing my 5 minute walk warm up - stretch then go for my run. I always do another stretch when I am done running.
I have been able to increase my miles significantly
oh also check what your road conditions are too
cement, pavement, dirt trails, grass, sand...all those have an impact on how much more impact your knee must take while running.
I hope this helps out.
If you need to know specific stretches I do...hit me up!0 -
I am quite a bit older than you are, but I exercise regularly and I like to run, too. I have knee pain in both knees, but especially in my left one. I have found that stretching helps--Yoga, especially. Also, I use a foam roller to roll out my I-T bands (not sure if that is the way to write that, but it is the muscle that runs down the side of my leg.) I had a trainer who suggested that. It helps. Inactivity, like long car rides, makes my knees stiff. Movement helps. Once in awhile, I get severe pain in my left knee, but that is rare. When I am working out or running, I try to make sure I am aligned and solid. I assume that my knee issues are age related, which again, doesn't apply to you. But, maybe some of this will be helpful.
most likely the two are directly related.0 -
Hey,
My symptoms were not identical, but I've always had issues with my knee. I typically get sharp pain in my knee.
To combat this, I take a joint supplement. Personally, I do Joint Soother from Vitamin World because it's cheaper than GNC and it seem to work just as well. Triflex is GNC's version. I will say that it works very well. It took any pain out of any of my joints. You should be taking a fish oil as well, even if you were not to have joint problems.
I also recommend a patella band. You can buy one at any sports store. Don't do Walmart's those are horrible. These are something to invest in. You can find them on Amazon too. They come wish instructions. What they do is hold your patella in place while you are running. This keeps it from moving around and reduces impact on the knee. When I was training for my half marathon, I would wear them occasionally. You can also make some out of wrap, but they do not work as well and you have to throw them away afterwards.
Good Luck, Hope this helps.
Sarah0 -
I used to love running, but have the same problems as you do. No I only walk on the treadmill at a very high incline at a fast pace to get my cardio workout on. I also take Joint Juice to help with my joints. I love that stuff and it help ease the pain.0
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My right knee was scoped about 6 years ago...no problems there. The pain in the other one has lessened. If surgery is on the table, and there's no way around it, I would consider it. Also though they are taking a "snapshot" of the situation--your weight on the knee being the biggest factor. i would suggest trying different exercises that are not as hard on the knee until you drop more weight then baby it back. I most of the time brace my left knee if I'm doing more than 60 minutes of high impact aerobics or any type of dancing.
It's just something I have -- like brown hair or blonde hair -- and I take care of it the best I can while still doing what I want. Chances are you will end up having the surgery, but if it's not immediately necessary, brace it and go (of course Ice it down or heat it up and take care of it)!0 -
The stiffness you have does sound like arthritis. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at age 37 in both knees. I am 40 now. My orthopedist told me at the time that it was most likely due to a combination of genetics and running for years on asphalt. I had no cartilage left on the end of one femur and ended up having a cartilage transplant. I've had 2 surgeries on that knee and it will never be the same, but RICE does work wonders. I also take a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement every day.
I'm not allowed to run at all now. I was running 3-5 miles a day at the time. I haven't found anything that gives me that same feeling as a runner's high, but I have found some things that give me a great workout. Swimming and biking are great for bad knees, but my favorite thing is the rebounder (mini trampoline). I might not be able to run outside or on a treadmill, but I can now run in place with the best of 'em. In fact, I do Insanity and just do all the high impact stuff on the rebounder and move to the floor for the rest.
Definitely see an orthopedist if the stiffness doesn't go away. Good luck!0 -
No one on these boards qualified to diagnose or treat your knee. Check around in your area and find a sports medicine clinic or a practice that works with athletes and athletic injuries with the assumption that you need a solution that lets you keep running for life (even it if means a break for a few weeks.)0
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No one on these boards qualified to diagnose or treat your knee. Check around in your area and find a sports medicine clinic or a practice that works with athletes and athletic injuries with the assumption that you need a solution that lets you keep running for life (even it if means a break for a few weeks.)
You're correct. Sometimes I think it's nice to ask around with other people to see if it is something that needs to been seen by a doctor. For me, I can't afford to go to the doctor- no health insurance... so going to the doctor is a last resort.0 -
I have had a whole range of knee problems in the last 3-4 years (runner's knee, ITBS, tendinitis, plica band syndrome...) and I've found that one of the best ways to prevent soreness/stiffness is to keep your hamstrings stretched out. If your hamstrings get tight, it puts more pressure on your knees, which if you have knee problems is something you do not want! Also I find that icing and just massaging that area around my knee can help too, as well as just staying active (though maybe not always working out) and walking around/not baby-ing it, even though I want to lay on the couch and not move my knee at all.0
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does the pain run from your knee up the side of your thigh? if so it is your Iliotibial band (IT) which is to the outside of your thigh...there are specific stretches you can do to help limber the muscle up
I was in the similar boat
Ya never tell me I CANT run again...I've been benched too many times before...
always make sure you have proper running shoes..orhodics if you need them (yeah never though I'd need them, but I have no back pain or shin splints now)
always remember your
R I C E after running are you stretching before you run or after a five minute warm up?...that will make a ton of difference too...I used to stretch cold and then started doing my 5 minute walk warm up - stretch then go for my run. I always do another stretch when I am done running.
I have been able to increase my miles significantly
oh also check what your road conditions are too
cement, pavement, dirt trails, grass, sand...all those have an impact on how much more impact your knee must take while running.
I hope this helps out.
If you need to know specific stretches I do...hit me up!
Having been a runner, not a jogger, but a runner, the information above is very good. I would also ask you these questions....if you stand with both feet on stairs, and take a step down (holding the hand rail), is there a point in the knee flexion, where it feels weak, as though its about to collapse and give way? If so, probably not the ITB, could be cartilage...If your doc gave you a shot...sounds like it was Cortisone, then I would say it was knee cartilage more than ITB. If that is the case, there is really nothing to be done....doesn't mean you can't run, just stick to flat ground, avoid uneven terrain causing lateral movement, go to a running store (Fleet Feet, etc...) not Sports Authority, or ****'s, and have a running assessment, it will give you not only your correct shoe alignment, but also tell you about your gait and how you can improve your running style to be more fluid.
Either way, your family doc is not the guy to see....you would need to see a Sports Orthopedic Specialist.
also as an fyi, if I remember correctly, most ITB issues are caused by an imbalance in quad/hamstring strength, and stretching....increasing quad strength could make the ITB issue worse, not better.0 -
bump for a friend0
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does the pain run from your knee up the side of your thigh? if so it is your Iliotibial band (IT) which is to the outside of your thigh...there are specific stretches you can do to help limber the muscle up
I was in the similar boat
Ya never tell me I CANT run again...I've been benched too many times before...
always make sure you have proper running shoes..orhodics if you need them (yeah never though I'd need them, but I have no back pain or shin splints now)
always remember your
R I C E after running are you stretching before you run or after a five minute warm up?...that will make a ton of difference too...I used to stretch cold and then started doing my 5 minute walk warm up - stretch then go for my run. I always do another stretch when I am done running.
I have been able to increase my miles significantly
oh also check what your road conditions are too
cement, pavement, dirt trails, grass, sand...all those have an impact on how much more impact your knee must take while running.
I hope this helps out.
If you need to know specific stretches I do...hit me up!
Having been a runner, not a jogger, but a runner, the information above is very good. I would also ask you these questions....if you stand with both feet on stairs, and take a step down (holding the hand rail), is there a point in the knee flexion, where it feels weak, as though its about to collapse and give way? If so, probably not the ITB, could be cartilage...If your doc gave you a shot...sounds like it was Cortisone, then I would say it was knee cartilage more than ITB. If that is the case, there is really nothing to be done....doesn't mean you can't run, just stick to flat ground, avoid uneven terrain causing lateral movement, go to a running store (Fleet Feet, etc...) not Sports Authority, or ****'s, and have a running assessment, it will give you not only your correct shoe alignment, but also tell you about your gait and how you can improve your running style to be more fluid.
Either way, your family doc is not the guy to see....you would need to see a Sports Orthopedic Specialist.
also as an fyi, if I remember correctly, most ITB issues are caused by an imbalance in quad/hamstring strength, and stretching....increasing quad strength could make the ITB issue worse, not better.
It is definitely the cartilage, which was why the second doctor wanted to do surgery....so he said anyhow lol. I have an appointment with a new doctor on Friday. I am hoping he can give me another shot, but more importantly..ways to help this problem once and for all. I think stretching and strengthening should be my go to...not surgery.0 -
Doctors don't seem to know how to restore but many know how to put more braces like motion control shoes, orthotics, arch inserts, canes, walkers, wheelchairs until you are bedridden.
The key which you might want to do is to strengthen the muscles that resist the impacts which I call the landing muscles, the spring suspension system muscles or the pronation supination cuff muscles
Here are my last three articles you might find helpful:
Cracking Achy Knee Pain or Chondromalacia Patella – Treatment and Prevention Tips from The Barefoot Running Doctor
http://teamdoctorsblog.com/2012/05/25/cracking-achy-knee-pain-or-chondromalacia-patella-treatment-and-prevention-tips-from-the-barefoot-running-doctor/
Is Running Bad For Your Knees? How Does The Body Spring Back Safely From Impacts Of Running and Walking?
http://teamdoctorsblog.com/2012/06/13/video-tutorial-12-is-running-bad-for-knees-how-the-body-springs-back-safely-from-impacts-of-running/
Self-Tests & Exercises To Reduce Over Pronation and Over Supination From Impacts During Walking and Running
http://teamdoctorsblog.com/2012/06/18/video-tutorial-28-the-impact-absorbing-landing-muscles-of-the-human-spring-mechanism-testing-and-training-the-spring-suspension-muscles/
Dr James Stoxen DC, President, Team Doctors0
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