Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: tweener on 09/01/2004 05:05:07
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Maybe I can get some free medical advice here.
My knee hurts and I don't understand why. The short story is that when I go jogging, I can get about 3/4 mile and my right knee starts hurting just a little. The real problem is after the run (for a couple of days) when I try to go down a step it REALLY hurts. The pain is on the outside of the right knee. Any other activity is fine, only going down a step (with my left leg forward, not the right).
The long story is:
I started running in the spring of 2002, and by November of '02 I had worked up to running 3 miles at about 8 minutes per mile. In the meantime I had also lost 45 pounds and I was very proud (still am actually). But then I went running one night and then just about couldn't get downstairs to go to work the next morning. In the year since then, I have tried laying off running for months at a time. I've tried two different pairs of new shoes. I started strength training and have worked up quite a bit more leg strength than I had. But still, every time I try to run the same thing happens. Running (jogging) is the only thing that gives me a problem. I can hike 10 miles with a 25 pound pack (in rough country) with no problem. I can ride a bike 15 miles or more, no problem.
I guess I don't really have to run, but I enjoy it, and it bothers me that I can't.
Any suggestions as to what the problem is and/or what to do about it would be welcome.
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John
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John,
I've actually have a similar problem like you when I run/jog. I used to run for 800m/long distance when I was is hight school. But some how like you I can only run for a few mile then the problem start. (I've changed to cycling, I love cycling anyway).
Do your knees started to get stiff and when you bend it, does it gives an unusually feeling?
Do your run downhill or putting a lot of pressure on your leg?
I did that and instantly I felt pain in my knees
Tom
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My knee doesn't feel stiff or unusual. I can bend it with no problem. It only hurts when I put some pressure on it going down a step or steep hill.
I'm running on an indoor padded track. When the problem started I was running outside on a padded track. I've never run on hills or even pavement.
Last night when I started this thread I had just gotten home from a run (3/4 mile is all) and was sitting with ice on my knee. It doesn't hurt me today, but I can feel where the pain would be if I had not iced it. Probably if I went down several flights of stairs it would hurt.
I also love cycling, but where I live now, there aren't many good (as in low traffic) roads to ride. There are park trails, which are good for a slow relaxing ride, but not much good for exercise. And, I can't stand to ride in the cold. So, I swim and ride a stationary bike and do weights and Pilates. Just not enough.
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John
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Then in the case John, sorry I'm unable to help you. I might be able to in about 8 years time when I've gone into Uni and finished my medical training.
Your condition sounded quite bad.
Tom
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It's really not too bad, just an annoyance really. If I don't go jogging, I don't have a problem at all. When I started this thread it seemed worse that it really is.
If I do go jogging, I seem to be able to reduce the severity by icing my knee and taking ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation.
I'll live with it, but if you have any ideas, let me know!
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John
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Is Chris able to help? I'm not sure if this is his field.
Tom
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Do you smoke? I know there is a phenomena known as smoker's knee, but I thought the pain kicked in at about two miles of jogging.
Bezoar
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Could smoker's knee happen to someone who chews that nicotine gum?
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I don't smoke and never have.
I'm thinking this is a bursitis problem, where the stress of jogging irritates a bursae and starts some swelling and inflammation. The position must be just right so that it doesn't hurt except when my muscle is tensed for supporting me going down a step.
Just my theory.
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John