Knee Pain

[Chropistopy]

Hi guys! I've recently started adding some running to my workout. I've been suffering from some knee pain. I'm going to get fitted for shoes this weekend...but also have been considering a brace. Any advice on buying a brace?

Also, when is a good time to go to the doctor? I was expecting my knees to hurt somewhat due to the added stress...but when is the time to say "that's enough" and go to the doctor?

Thanks!!

 

[Christine]

Christy,
I would go fairly soon--just for the peace of mind.

Several years ago, I started a walking program and my knees were just killing me. Both of them, equally. I figured something must be really wrong.

As it turns out, I had been sedentary for a while (desk job) and the supporting tendons around my knee had become weak. In addition to that, I have very "lax" or "flexible" type tendons. They aren't rigid. So when I exercise, my joints are not very stable. What helped me was to strengthen that area of my knee (on my own or physical therapy according to the doctor) and to get a good shoe that would keep my feet stable.

I'm never totally without pain but it is so much better. And when I stop exercising I start getting more pain.

Now, you may have an entirely different problem, but I suggest you get it looked at so either you don't do any further damage, or you find the corrective action so you can feel more comfortable.

 

[Chropistopy]

Thanks! I've made a doctor's appointment. Can't hurt to get it checked out anyway. I'll let you all know what she says.

 

[MelanieC]

Also a lot of people will get knee pain when they first start exercising because of the muscles around your knee getting larger than other muscles. Once the other muscles catch up the pain usually subsides. I agree about seeing a dr. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Cherylbug]

Hey Christy

I'm glad you asked that question because I was gonna ask the same thing. My knees hurt too after jogging. Hopefully after walking/jogging for a while they will loosen up and quit hurting so much. Right now they seem very stiff and not very flexible. I have noticed though they don't hurt quite as bad as they did about a week ago so hopefully things are improving.

 

[littlegreydonkey]

Yep see someone sooner rather than later - and I wouldn't brace without seeing doc/physio first. A brace holds the knee stable in one position, but if your kneecaps are out of alignment (like mine) holding it in that position can actually be more damaging, if I'm getting pain, mine actually have to be taped to pull them slightly up and left (?!!!).

 

[Lani]

Yep see someone sooner rather than later - and I wouldn't brace without seeing doc/physio first.

Ding ding ding ding! I've experienced knee pain off an on over the years due to running. I've been seen by orthopedists and physical therapists. The first thing you want to do is see a doctor, but you might consider seeing a sports doctor (or a physician who is more aware of sports-related injuries), because the types of injuries one incurs from sports are different from those of everyday aches and pains.

There could be several different reasons for your knee pain, which is why it's important to see a doctor. Possible causes may be:

- Misaligned knee joint or knee tracking incorrectly (a brace may help)
- Arthritis in the knee joint
- Torn meniscus (the cartilege in the knee joint)
- Unbalanced leg muscles
- Too much stress from being overweight

Hopefully, it's just unbalanced leg muscles... in which case you might need some physical therapy of "r.i.c.e." (rest, ice, compression, elevation) augmented with physical therapy massage, tylenol for the pain or ibuprofen for the swelling, and if necessary, ultrasound sessions. All that to go with leg lifts on a weight machine to build up your quadraceps, since their being weak may be what's causing the pain.

It certainly won't hurt to lose some weight... just a 10-pound loss will feel different on your body. But keep in mind this kind of pain usually does not go away on its own completely untreated. And putting a brace on it through self-diagnosis has the potential of causing more problems.

So definitely see a doc. Good luck!

PS: I'm not a doctor or a physical therapist. I've just been there.

 

[Chropistopy]

Thanks everyone! I went to the doctor on Friday. I have arthritis in my right knee. She told me to drop about 10 pounds before trying to run again. I'll be sticking to walking and the eliptical for a while.

 

[MelanieC]

Glad they found the problem! Sorry to hear it's arthritis, but at least now you know how to work with it to keep the pain down.