RUNNER'S KNEE?

I had a pretty bad left need injury in Jan. 1998. I slipped and twisted it pretty bad. Was on crutches for a few weeks, but that's about it.

Now that I'm running, I get pain in the same knee. Actually, right above the knee. I have done some research, and think it is definately runner's knee. BUT, everything I am reading says runners knee is painful going down hills, down stairs, etc.

My knee hurts when going up hills, up stairs. I am tryiing to remain upright and just exaggerate my arms when going up hills, so as to keep my hips, knees, feet aligned.

Thinking it could be something else other than runner's knee? No swelling, no locking.... but I do ice right above it as the websites recommend, after working out/running. I am also focusing on strengthening hams and quads.

Your thoughts?

Kathy

You should have it looked at.  My husband tore the miniscus in both of his knees - your symptoms sound like his.  He has had both repaired.  He said the surgeries were very easy (he took no pain meds with both surgeries, and was off crutches within a day), and within 6 weeks, he was back running with no pain. 

Thanks Elisa!

My dh had surgery for torn meniscus a few year back, and surgery for it. My discomfort is not constant. If I skip running for a day, no problem. It does not hurt when walking, or on eliptical, etc. It gets achey when on a bike, and like I posted, running up hill. I did find today, that taking small steps going uphill resulted in NO pain or discomfort.

I am definatley going to have it checked out...will be making an appointment on Tuesday.

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm not a runner, but it sounds to me as if you should pursue another avenue of exercise. If you've already had a major injury and you're still having pain, I would be concerned that you are going to do some major, permanent damage if you continue. There are so many other things you can do which will get/keep you in shape just as well without the risk. Biking, swimming, even walking will put much less or no stress on your knees and again, keep you in great shape.

Just a thought...good luck!

Jenny

Thanks Jenny!

I do enjoy swimming and walking, and biking. However biking is a bit rougher on my knee (which is odd to me, but I think it's the entire "range of motion" thing).

Time to buy a new swim suit!

Kathy, I am currently in physical therapy for these exact symptoms.  I was diagnosed with patellar femoral syndrome.  Basically, some of the muscles in my leg are stronger than others and when I run, it is throwing the mechanics of my knee out of whack (the stronger muscles are pulling the knee to the side and are pulling harder than the weaker muscles).  They've also discovered (which I already knew) that I am completely flat footed and pretty badly knock-kneed.  It's possible that some orthotics will help solve my problem, and it's possible that the knock knees are from carrying around so much extra weight for so long. 

Right now, we are exploring the orthotics route.... but, I am still banned from running.  Next week, they are doing a test where they put special insoles in my shoes while I run a little bit.  The insoles have a chip in them that they can then read to see how my feet are landing to see if it's possible I'm rotating or pronating my foot.

Just wanted to let you know that there are lots of things it could be.... along with lots of solutions.  Hope you find yours quickly!

Lisa