Knee Issues...seeking help!

[Andy]

I developed some bad knees...I've been reading up on it and I don't think it's runner's knee but I have a huge suspicion it could be a slight mcl or meniscus tear somewhere...so I've laid off the sprints or any type of high impact training. I can however do regular leg workouts with a neoprene brace and go a little more lighter on the weights.

I had an XR last month and the findings are very limited but it did read some knee effusion around the joint which essentially means water around the knee. I don't even see it and I only feel some discomfort there when I run, especially in the inner aspect of the knee joint radiating down to my upper lateral side of my calf. Doc says to lay off the running and do some other alternative cardios like the bike, swimming. Laying off the elipitical (never liked those machines ever)...that's just as worse on the knees quite frankly as running.

I do have a new found interest with spinning and stationary bikes at the gym to do some cardio...lower impact, feels just like running again.

MRI wont be considered per my doc and wants me to keep an eye on it for now. But even if I find out there is a tear...I want to take it as conservatively as possible and even my orthopedic doctor co worker of mine says the same thing...unless you really want to have the bad parts "scraped off"...usually knee work doesn't always guarantee 100% funtionality.

Again I can do leg work...just more cautious here. It doesn't bother me much compared to constant pounding on the knees where sprints don't really help much here.

Any rehab suggestions to get it better?

Thanks!

Andy

[lchristine100]

I can not diagnose you but...

I had horrible knee issues - pain, looseness, etc.

I had to stop running and lay of the high impact aerobics (I was teaching A LOT). I layed of heavy training for a few weeks - but, added it back in again, building up again. I also went to a chiropractor for 3 months to get ART.

It has been about 4 months and I feel good as new. I do not run though. Although I loved it, I am still afraid to do it (distance especially). Being strong is more important to me, and with consistant lifting, I am able to function normally pain free! I squat, lunge, deadlift, you name it. As for cardio I can walk, ride the stationary or spin bike, step mill, and I teach 1 kickboxing class a week with no problem.

With time, you can work through your issues - you just have to be patient with your body.

[Andy]

I can not diagnose you but...

I had horrible knee issues - pain, looseness, etc.

I had to stop running and lay of the high impact aerobics (I was teaching A LOT). I layed of heavy training for a few weeks - but, added it back in again, building up again. I also went to a chiropractor for 3 months to get ART.

It has been about 4 months and I feel good as new. I do not run though. Although I loved it, I am still afraid to do it (distance especially). Being strong is more important to me, and with consistant lifting, I am able to function normally pain free! I squat, lunge, deadlift, you name it. As for cardio I can walk, ride the stationary or spin bike, step mill, and I teach 1 kickboxing class a week with no problem.

With time, you can work through your issues - you just have to be patient with your body.

Hey, thanks for the support (I was hoping someone would give me a few words of wisdom!).

Yes, I hear you on the leg work, lchristine. I actually still do substantial leg work as part of my routines, too...And you are right, it's not more so the leg workouts but when running specifically. Loads on a squat..not a problem, lunges are good to go...leg presses surprisingly I have no ill effects at all. from that either..it's just the running.

I'm planning on seeing my doctor soon about this and maybe get an MRI just to see what's really going on with my knee.

But definitely staying away from hard running. Light running to fast walking is still good for me too...just not so much distance as well.

[jlb001]

I had a meniscus tear. Had the ortho go in and fix it so its good as new. Haven't had any problems since then.