Anybody want to diagnose my knee? - Updated post #1

[KelNottAt]

It hurts. And my first marathon is 14 days away.

Sat, 9/22: First pain occurred at mile 14 of a 15 mile 5w/1r. Main pain was in my L knee, but L ankle and L hip also felt it. It was a boing/click type of feeling, then total weakness. I had to call DH to come get me cuz I couldn't walk the last mile home. Remainder of Saturday was rest and ice. (ETA: pain intensity = 8)

Sunday: Some ice, but mostly rest. Aleve

Monday: rest, Aleve

Tuesday: Felt pretty good for slow (14:30) 3 mile SW.

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Felt great and strong for 5 mi SW. No pain, pace was right where I want it. (13:20)

Today (Saturday, 9/29): Knee started "talking" to me at mile 7. By mile 11, something was "radiating" from my hip to ankle. Wouldn't call it pain, just something "radiating." Pace was fine. Then, at 11.75, boing/click again. Had to call DH. (ETA: pain intensity = 5)

You know that feeling you get when you hit your funny bone? It's like that. But, instead of lasting a split second, it sticks around.

I've got 2 weeks left in my taper. I don't think I'll do anymore LWs. Nothing longer than (maybe) 7 next Saturday.

Anybody got any more advice? Guess at diagnosis? Thanks.

ETA: I WILL be consulting a medical professional on Monday. Just thought I'd see what friends on the DIS thought this sounds like.

UPDATE:

I saw the doc on Monday, 10/1. She pushed, pulled, poked, and squeezed in every direction, but couldn't recreate the pain. (Not surprising since I feel fine until I reach 12 - 14 miles.)

Even tho I felt no pain, she sent me for an MRI (same day) to rule out race-ending "structural" problems.

Got the MRI results today (10/2). Turns out I have some arthritis in my knee and an inflamed IT band.

Doc says this is not bad enough to drop out of the marathon (11 days away ), but I need to baby it until then. She advised taking Aleve about an hour before the race, Ibuprofin (sp?) 3 hours later (probably mile 9), then Aleve again around mile 20....if I'm able to get that far.

So, I guess it's "touch n go" "wait n see" for the next 11 days. I have no doubt that I'll start the race. Sigh. Who knows if I'll finish?

Today I did 4 s..l..o..w miles. Felt OK. Iced at the end and took advil. So far so good.

Stay tuned...

 

[windwalker]

Kelley, darlin, at the risk of sounding crass (is that a word) it's not us who should be diagnosing your injury but a Dr or a ciropractor. It sounds like the sciatic nerve. An alignment problem or it could be as simple as your shoes are worn out. Either way a trip to the Ciropractor is my best recommendation.

Hope you feel better.

Dave

 

[KelNottAt]

Kelley, darlin, at the risk of sounding crass (is that a word) it's not us who should be diagnosing your injury but a Dr or a ciropractor. It sounds like the sciatic nerve. An alignment problem or it could be as simple as your shoes are worn out. Either way a trip to the Ciropractor is my best recommendation.

Hope you feel better.

Dave

Oh, I know. Just thought I'd gather ideas in the meantime. I'll go edit my post to reflect that.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Kelley, I am sorry about this. I've no idea, can't even guess. I just wanted to send many hugs that doc can get it worked out quickly and that the pain subsides.

 

[KelNottAt]

Updated, post #1

Thanks for the concern and PD.

 

[princessmomma]

Kelley, your doctor send you for a MRI? Wow that is great! I have been having knee trouble too and my lame PCP won't send me for one. He said it costs $2-$3000 and he doesn't see the need. He said if I was in pain for 6 months and there is no relief and they couldn't find the cause, then he would send me for one. I was sooo mad!

I too have a marathon coming up and would like some answers. My knee was swollen after my last long run. You would think if a knee is inflamed that would be cause enough.

 

[KelNottAt]

Kelley, your doctor send you for a MRI? Wow that is great! I have been having knee trouble too and my lame PCP won't send me for one. He said it costs $2-$3000 and he doesn't see the need. He said if I was in pain for 6 months and there is no relief and they couldn't find the cause, then he would send me for one. I was sooo mad!

I too have a marathon coming up and would like some answers. My knee was swollen after my last long run. You would think if a knee is inflamed that would be cause enough.

You know, I have to admit, I was kinda surprised, too. But, she said with the race so close she wanted to make sure I didn't end up making a minor injury a major one.

 

[jam217]

Hi Kelly,
Sorry to hear about your knee...you had said that your doctor mentioned taking Aleve....when I did the Philly Distance Run a couple week ago, the race packet included a medical information packet which gave the following info about pain relievers:
"Recent medical research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen etc. may be harmful to runners' kidney function if taken within 24 hours of running; only acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been shown to be safe. The NSAIDs are thought to increase the possibility of hyponatremia while running long distances due to their decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and interfering with the hormone that helps the body retain salt. Therefore it is recommended that on race day (specifically beginning at midnight before you run) you do not use anything but Tylenol if needed until six hours after you have finished the race, are able to drink without any nauseu, have urinated once and feel physically and mentally back to normal. Then a NSAID would be of benefit in preventing post-event muscle soreness.''

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I finally went to an ortho Dr for my knee that has been on and off for the last year. He figured nothing serious but sent me to MRI to get better picture of issue. Had it Fri and will find out results tomorrow. They are great for most injuries(that's why pro atheletes get them right away). The issue he thinks I have(Plica) doesn't necessarily show up.

Good luck with your race. As with everything, all meds need to be taken in moderation and hyration kept up. I have read a study that if you drink alcohol with Tylenol(and generics) it will cause kidney damage as well.

 

[cewait]

Hi Kelly,
Sorry to hear about your knee...you had said that your doctor mentioned taking Aleve....when I did the Philly Distance Run a couple week ago, the race packet included a medical information packet which gave the following info about pain relievers:
"Recent medical research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen etc. may be harmful to runners' kidney function if taken within 24 hours of running; only acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been shown to be safe. The NSAIDs are thought to increase the possibility of hyponatremia while running long distances due to their decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and interfering with the hormone that helps the body retain salt. Therefore it is recommended that on race day (specifically beginning at midnight before you run) you do not use anything but Tylenol if needed until six hours after you have finished the race, are able to drink without any nauseu, have urinated once and feel physically and mentally back to normal. Then a NSAID would be of benefit in preventing post-event muscle soreness.''

I would agree with this. Take NSAIDs (i.e. Aleve, etc) up to a couple days before the marathon. I would not take even Tylenol from that point until a need came up.

Sounds like a good stretching regime is in order to reverse the IT issues. Good luck in your marathon.

Charles - Twice Goofy

 

[KelNottAt]

Hi Kelly,
Sorry to hear about your knee...you had said that your doctor mentioned taking Aleve....when I did the Philly Distance Run a couple week ago, the race packet included a medical information packet which gave the following info about pain relievers:
"Recent medical research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen etc. may be harmful to runners' kidney function if taken within 24 hours of running; only acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been shown to be safe. The NSAIDs are thought to increase the possibility of hyponatremia while running long distances due to their decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and interfering with the hormone that helps the body retain salt. Therefore it is recommended that on race day (specifically beginning at midnight before you run) you do not use anything but Tylenol if needed until six hours after you have finished the race, are able to drink without any nauseu, have urinated once and feel physically and mentally back to normal. Then a NSAID would be of benefit in preventing post-event muscle soreness.''

Good information. Thank you.