Yet another knee problem.....

[SaveAirInBottles]

My knee recently started having pain when I run. It started about a month ago when I quit a sport called parkour, which is extremely high impact. When I lock my knee straight and put pressure on it and when I do squats there is a sharp pain in the lower part of the knee where the bone meets the knee. You don't have to be qualfied to answer, just point me in the right direction and I can research it on my own. Thanks.

[anon5050]

I had an arthroscopy performed on my knee to remove some medial shelf plica... not related to your issue but this is: one of the symptoms my knee surgeon asked me if i had was pain around the lower section of the knee cap. I didn't but it sounds like you do... he was particularly interested in whether or not I had problems with that area becuase--if memory serves correctly--he said it's a common problem fixed surgically. Just thought this might be helpful since you may want to review your options with a surgeon... some surgeries such as the arthroscopy I had can be effective with very short recovery periods. Also, sometimes general physicians or physical therapists are very reluctant to refer people to surgeons... if the problem persists it can be helpful to take the initiative and consult a surgeon on your own. It seems to me that sometimes small knee problems can't really be solved through physical therapy and, without immediate attention, will only be exacerbated if not fixed early. This was the case with my shoulders which, after doing physical therapy on for over a year, I finally had surgery and they found all sorts of torn cartilage inside (meaning all that physical therapy was useless). Anyways, get a doctor's opinion, and maybe a knee surgeon's if the problem persists or even gets worse after not responding to physical therapy. Good luck.

[ski2114]

I had the same pain and had no accident or injury to explain why. After ignoring the pain for another two months I finally had a MRI done. The pain was from a dislocated knee cap that was becoming worse. The surgery was painless with a couple of small scars left behind. They called the surgery a LCL which was on the outside of my thigh. This was two months ago and I walk fine but I have trouble with stairs, hills, kettlebell swings, ect. Good luck.

[montstar]

i had an injury about two months ago and have kept training since. I have seen a surgeon and had an MRI and 4 xrays. my pain too is in the lower knee cap and is pain full often during things like squats. personally im looking at minor surgery, a scope, to maybe repair the damage. i would advise seeing a orthopedic surgeon and then getting a second opinion.

[bk0078]

well, for starters use the R.I.C.E method to subside injuries while you wait to go see a doctor. im sure he will tel you to do the same thing. heres R.I.C.E:

Rest- when you get done working out, take a break and dont move after you get your strettching/calestenics done

Ice- put ice over the injured area, keep it there for 15 minutes.

Compression- if availible, wear a knee sleeve around your knee while performing exercises to help heal your injury- compression helps circulatioon.

Elevation- keep your knees elevated when you are icing them down. i put my knees up on the couch (with the ice packs on them) and let them rest for 15 minutes.

R.I.C.E is a pretty universal thing, if you are still worried just google R.I.C.E. and maybe a medical website will give you a better description.

i have had severe knee problems ever since i got heavily involved in sports in middle school. im now in college, and i still have to do stretches and R.I.C.E or my knees will get sore (i am 6'7'' and i grew very fast). i went to rehab for it for a couple of years, and it did a wonder of help. they told me my hip flexors were weak and that was why i had knee problems (excessive pronation and extension to make up for the lack of knee strength).

hope that helps
Bryan

[9007112]

Thought I was the only David Belle fan around here....:D

Might be weak quads, hamstrings or muscle strength imbalance between the quads/hamstrings, I think the ratio was 2:1 Q:H.

Or doing too much too soon, that's how I got stress fractures

Bk0078 advice is pretty good too, definitely work your hip flexors and make sure you running form is correct, land on the balls of your feet, which are wider, more cushioned and can stand more impact than your heel which is considerably a smaller landing part which doesn't help reduce the impact.

You said you get pain when you lock your knee, do you do that when you squat too? you should never lock joints unless you need to for a reason and make sure you squat right, *** out, back straight, right form and all.

Here's what I would do:

-R.I.C.E as mentioned above.

-Increase swimming while decreasing running in length and intensity.

-Stretch correctly, for at least 5 mins after each run/workout.

-Take fish oil, increase protein and fat in your diet.

[SaveAirInBottles]

Thanks for the great advice gentlemen. I'm going to get an MRI next thursday and have been using RICE. And I'm glad to see there is another Traceur on the forums.

[dive doc]

Thanks for the great advice gentlemen. I'm going to get an MRI next thursday and have been using RICE. And I'm glad to see there is another Traceur on the forums.

Save Air

anytime you suffer an injury/pain as described above, RICE is an excellent starting point to at least relieve the symptoms. The MRI is certainly the best option and will give the greatest amount of data diagnostically. Try and get the images seen by a senior radiologist in conjunction with an orthopaedic surgeon for the best interpretation.

When you get your scan, if you have more questions i will try and help if i can.

DD