Knee Pain-No Insurance

does it feel unstable when you are walking/running? If it feels unstable, it could be an ACL injury.

I've been integrating long distance cycling (1-2 hours) and developed this same issue. The pain has crept all the way to my hip bone when I walk or move the joints. Is this similar to what you're experiencing?

Allow the leg to rest, as tough as the break may seem it could potentially preserve your muscle/ligament/joint.

If the pain is ACUTE, then stop. You could definitely be causing more harm than good.

I second this. If you're feeling pain, you shouldn't go running. Let it heal or you could make it worse.

Where on your knee is the pain (eg lower & outside ; behind the kneecap?) it could be an IT band issue, it could be a muscular imbalance (glutes & hips) or it could be a problem with ligaments.

If it's IT band or muscular imbalance you can do a lot of self treatment (ice, rest, stretching & exercises, foam roller) but no matter what the cause you need to give it a little time. Muscle soreness is normal, acute pain isn't.

Here's a link to some IT band specific stretches and exercises. These helped me a lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9aJtO0VCqw

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6099

For glute & hip strength

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-13852-0,00.html

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7120,s6-241-285--9915-0,00.html

If you're not already start doing core work (planks, bridges, superman etc) A strong core helps promote good form while running.

Get better!

I really hope you get better. If running hurts, the of course you should stop until you fell better. Gotta love our healthcare system. I assume you're not poor enough to qualify for medicaid in your state??

Running form can have a LOT to do with knee pain. If your running and landing on your heel with a straight leg, then your knees have to cushion the blow which they are not made to do. Think about running and walking softly. Take small steps more quickly and try to be silent. Keep your feet beneath your body, bend your knees.

Like the other posters said, it could be an IT band issue which is also very common. The IT band attaches to the lower outside of the knee. If its tender at that point, you could have an IT band problem. Also common is weak glutes. You might look up information on glute strengthening.

My knee pain was caused by bad running form (major heel strike) and weak glutes.

If you can pinpoint where the pain is, the amature docs in the house might be able to give you more specific advice.

How much ibuprofen are you taking?? for me (don't sue me) 500 mg doses of perscription Naproxen (alieve) twice a day for two days stopped my knee pain that had been going on for amost two weeks. I don't know if there is any medical science behind this, but if I take a bigger dose even just once or twice, the pain goes away.

Lastly, check out some local urgent cares and see how much they charge. They would be qualified to look at you and could prescribe some generic stronger drugs that you can get at Target or Walmart for $4. Tell them you don't have a lot of money and they may be able to refer you to a free clinic around. There is free medical care available if you look hard enough. Calling local orthopedic surgeons probably won't work.

Good luck to you

Get your shoes checked. I get knee pain when my shoes need replaced. If I change my running stride any it causes pretty bad knee pain.

I feel your pain. I'm in the same boat. Different area of the knee. Mine's on the inside. No insurance even if I work a full time job. Sucks, big time.

Hope your knee is better.