View Full Version : Tendonitis in the knee
After walking pain-free this summer, I started having pain on the inside of the left knee. After a 35-mile hike mid-Oct., during which I severly hobbled much of the way, I went to my Dr. who told me it was tendonitis. He doubled my anti-inflam (for another issue) for a week and although it has improved significiantly, it still hurts at times, mainly at night or if I use that leg to push something. I have resumed moderate walking and it is neither improving or getting worse. I've tried 2 home remedies, neither with much success- honey and cinnamon in hot water X2 daily, and eating bing cherries 8-10 1X daily. I don't relish returning to the Dr., for fear of a cortisone injection. But if it doesn't heal eventually, I may have no choice. Anyone out there have ideas?
take-a-knee
11-18-2009, 00:51
After walking pain-free this summer, I started having pain on the inside of the left knee. After a 35-mile hike mid-Oct., during which I severly hobbled much of the way, I went to my Dr. who told me it was tendonitis. He doubled my anti-inflam (for another issue) for a week and although it has improved significiantly, it still hurts at times, mainly at night or if I use that leg to push something. I have resumed moderate walking and it is neither improving or getting worse. I've tried 2 home remedies, neither with much success- honey and cinnamon in hot water X2 daily, and eating bing cherries 8-10 1X daily. I don't relish returning to the Dr., for fear of a cortisone injection. But if it doesn't heal eventually, I may have no choice. Anyone out there have ideas?
Physical therapy and about 8-12 weeks.
Doooglas
11-18-2009, 07:38
After walking pain-free this summer, I started having pain on the inside of the left knee. After a 35-mile hike mid-Oct., during which I severly hobbled much of the way, I went to my Dr. who told me it was tendonitis. He doubled my anti-inflam (for another issue) for a week and although it has improved significiantly, it still hurts at times, mainly at night or if I use that leg to push something. I have resumed moderate walking and it is neither improving or getting worse. I've tried 2 home remedies, neither with much success- honey and cinnamon in hot water X2 daily, and eating bing cherries 8-10 1X daily. I don't relish returning to the Dr., for fear of a cortisone injection. But if it doesn't heal eventually, I may have no choice. Anyone out there have ideas?
Yeah. I got a real good idea. Lose that idoit drug dealer doctor and go see my kid.
http://www.acupuncturehealingcenter.org/anowosad.htm
Gramps,
Here is something else to consider.
I experienced a similar problem several years ago and rest finally healed it. After seeing a sports doctor, I learned that I excessively pronate (side heal strike) and that my shoe choice triggered the problem. It might be worth seeing someone who can analyze your worn shoes and walking style. Careful selection of shoes and inserts that address pronation solved the problem for me.
Kerosene
11-18-2009, 09:50
I've dealt with Achilles tendonitis all my life. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the tendons to reduce its workload, and orthotics to minimize the chance of recurrence helped enormously.
garlic08
11-18-2009, 11:21
Yeah, unfortunately tendons take months to heal, not days or weeks. This exact problem, coupled with chronic Achilles tendonitis, is what put me off the trail for about five years when I was in my forties. After every 100 mile hike, I'd need months to recover. I got tired of that and stopped hiking.
I never took a single pill. My solution was to drastically lighten my pack load and footwear. Monthly chiropractor visits were good for overall alignment and improved my gait. Now I'm hiking thousands of miles per season with no joint pain at all. Best of luck finding your solution.
Gramps,
Here is something else to consider.
I experienced a similar problem several years ago and rest finally healed it. After seeing a sports doctor, I learned that I excessively pronate (side heal strike) and that my shoe choice triggered the problem. It might be worth seeing someone who can analyze your worn shoes and walking style. Careful selection of shoes and inserts that address pronation solved the problem for me.
From looking at my shoes, I'm sure I do pronate. Also, my trailrunners are $22 shoes from Wallyworld. They've held up extremely well, but it may be that is where my problem lies, not so much the cheap shoes, but the need for some type of inserts.
To all, thanks for your advice. I've got some flex $$ to spend so this might be a wise use of same.
Doooglas
11-21-2009, 06:22
Here's the place to get your inserts made and fitted
http://www.carmelfoot.com/sportsmedicine.html
handlebar
11-21-2009, 12:39
Tendonitis shouldn't last forever. Don't worry about the shot in the knee, I had one and it wasn't a problem. Just don't look while they administer. If conservative treatment (RICE--rest, ice, compression, elevation) doesn't resolve the issue and the pain returns after shot wears off, then perhaps it's not tendonitis. I had pain at the inside portion of my knee that I usually noticed only when sleeping on my side. It bothered me every night enough to interfere with my sleep. I would have a sharp twinge if I tried to sweep something away with my foot to bumped my foot on a root or such. Turned out it was a torn medial meniscus---required xray to rule out arthritis and MRI to definitively diagnose. Lateral motion in my knee as I slept on my side was putting pressure on the tear and causing the pain. If your pain doesn't subside in a few more weeks, you might want to check with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports injuries. I had arthroscopic surgery (outpatient) and did some rehab. Fixed the problem. Since then I've hiked a good 6000 miles.
After walking pain-free this summer, I started having pain on the inside of the left knee. After a 35-mile hike mid-Oct., during which I severly hobbled much of the way, I went to my Dr. who told me it was tendonitis. He doubled my anti-inflam (for another issue) for a week and although it has improved significiantly, it still hurts at times, mainly at night or if I use that leg to push something. I have resumed moderate walking and it is neither improving or getting worse. I've tried 2 home remedies, neither with much success- honey and cinnamon in hot water X2 daily, and eating bing cherries 8-10 1X daily. I don't relish returning to the Dr., for fear of a cortisone injection. But if it doesn't heal eventually, I may have no choice. Anyone out there have ideas?The knees are very vulnerable joints, almost one can even say of bad design. I have read different articles of knee problems/issues, and basically I have come to believe that once damage has occured, unfortunately, it is most likely not going away, at least not without some type of medical intervention. If your doctor says it's OK, you might want to try taking Glucosamine, I think it does help the joints. I think though, one needs to continue taking it or the helpful effects from it do not last.
Blissful
11-21-2009, 21:04
From looking at my shoes, I'm sure I do pronate. Also, my trailrunners are $22 shoes from Wallyworld. They've held up extremely well, but it may be that is where my problem lies, not so much the cheap shoes, but the need for some type of inserts.
To all, thanks for your advice. I've got some flex $$ to spend so this might be a wise use of same.
Cheap shoes will do it too. I went to a running shop to get fitted with the right trail runners for my overpronation.
johnnybgood
11-21-2009, 23:12
I encountered the same symtoms about a year or so ago and even went to have an MRI thinking I had a meniscal tear but was relieved to find out it was tendonitis.
I went to a sports med docter and got a anti-inflammatory injection , bought a good pair of trail runners and took it slow with the knee for awhile.
Try buying some good shoes ,maybe with superfeet insoles , and don't do anything but walking for a few weeks or until you think you're ready to do more.
Be good to them dawgs cause they can take you places. :)
Kerosene
11-22-2009, 00:14
...you might want to try taking Glucosamine, I think it does help the joints. I think though, one needs to continue taking it or the helpful effects from it do not last.My on-line and interpersonal research shows that 1500 mg of Glucosamine Sulfate daily seems to help people the most, but the clinical trials are inconclusive, outside of several which point out that Chondroitin is worthless.
My on-line and interpersonal research shows that 1500 mg of Glucosamine Sulfate daily seems to help people the most, but the clinical trials are inconclusive, outside of several which point out that Chondroitin is worthless.I actually have heard that too about Chondroitin not really being necessary. I also read here on Whiteblaze suggesting that all one really needs is Glucosamine Sulphate which can be had at Walmart for a decent price as opposed to the other "name" brands, and I have listened to and taken this advice, as it's a good value and appears to work. I was running low the other day and decided to look at an online vitamin supply outlet, and saw the prices are really high, just think Walmart has the best price. Anyway while reading the info for their Glucosamine-Chondroitin product, they happened to explain the role of each. They stated that "Glucosamine is necessary for the production of cartilage, and Chondroitin helps to attract fluid into the joint tissue, providing shock absorption and cushioning for the bones." Wether or not this is a scientific fact or just in theory I would have to say is anybodies guess, however Glucosamine does appear to help many people with joint issues.
Tendonitis shouldn't last forever. Don't worry about the shot in the knee, I had one and it wasn't a problem. Just don't look while they administer. If conservative treatment (RICE--rest, ice, compression, elevation) doesn't resolve the issue and the pain returns after shot wears off, then perhaps it's not tendonitis. I had pain at the inside portion of my knee that I usually noticed only when sleeping on my side. It bothered me every night enough to interfere with my sleep. I would have a sharp twinge if I tried to sweep something away with my foot to bumped my foot on a root or such. Turned out it was a torn medial meniscus---required xray to rule out arthritis and MRI to definitively diagnose. Lateral motion in my knee as I slept on my side was putting pressure on the tear and causing the pain. If your pain doesn't subside in a few more weeks, you might want to check with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports injuries. I had arthroscopic surgery (outpatient) and did some rehab. Fixed the problem. Since then I've hiked a good 6000 miles.
It has gotten to the point to where it is waking me up at night, more so when I'm on my right side and the knee is "hanging" off the mattress. I walked only 1.5 miles yesterday and it has hurt constantly since, so I'm making an appointment tomorrow at the Dr. Even though I don't remember an actual injury, I'll see what he says. With winter setting in, it will be a good time to get it taken care of. I saw this Dr. some years ago for another problem and he wasn't big on cortisone then. Hope he hasn't changed. Me and needles don't mix; call me a big wuss.:D
johnnybgood
12-01-2009, 18:11
It has gotten to the point to where it is waking me up at night, more so when I'm on my right side and the knee is "hanging" off the mattress. I walked only 1.5 miles yesterday and it has hurt constantly since, so I'm making an appointment tomorrow at the Dr. Even though I don't remember an actual injury, I'll see what he says. With winter setting in, it will be a good time to get it taken care of. I saw this Dr. some years ago for another problem and he wasn't big on cortisone then. Hope he hasn't changed. Me and needles don't mix; call me a big wuss.:D
I'm wouldn't dare call you a big wuss.......maybe a mini wuss :D.
Seriously though, If your knee bothers you that much then by all means make an appt. with an orthopedic specialist and have them determine the next step.
An X-Ray will see inflammation due to arthritis but likely an MRI will be the ticket to discovering a tear in the meniscus .
Hope it works out for the best.
I'm wouldn't dare call you a big wuss.......maybe a mini wuss :D.
Seriously though, If your knee bothers you that much then by all means make an appt. with an orthopedic specialist and have them determine the next step.
An X-Ray will see inflammation due to arthritis but likely an MRI will be the ticket to discovering a tear in the meniscus .
Hope it works out for the best.
I have an appt. for Monday morning. I saw this Dr. about 10 years ago for plantar facisitis. He told me then he was big on cortisone injections because 1) they can do more damage to the tissue going in, and 2) it rarely helps permanently. I figure an MRI is on the horizon. Maybe 2 weeks of complete rest with medication; hmmm, here during the holidays would be nice. (I work at the P.O. so you can see why it would be welcomed!:banana
I have an appt. for Monday morning. I saw this Dr. about 10 years ago for plantar facisitis. He told me then he was big on cortisone injections because 1) they can do more damage to the tissue going in, and 2) it rarely helps permanently. I figure an MRI is on the horizon. Maybe 2 weeks of complete rest with medication; hmmm, here during the holidays would be nice. (I work at the P.O. so you can see why it would be welcomed!:banana
Sorry, that should read "is NOT big on cortisone injections".
Tendonitis shouldn't last forever. Don't worry about the shot in the knee, I had one and it wasn't a problem. Just don't look while they administer. If conservative treatment (RICE--rest, ice, compression, elevation) doesn't resolve the issue and the pain returns after shot wears off, then perhaps it's not tendonitis. I had pain at the inside portion of my knee that I usually noticed only when sleeping on my side. It bothered me every night enough to interfere with my sleep. I would have a sharp twinge if I tried to sweep something away with my foot to bumped my foot on a root or such. Turned out it was a torn medial meniscus---required xray to rule out arthritis and MRI to definitively diagnose. Lateral motion in my knee as I slept on my side was putting pressure on the tear and causing the pain. If your pain doesn't subside in a few more weeks, you might want to check with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports injuries. I had arthroscopic surgery (outpatient) and did some rehab. Fixed the problem. Since then I've hiked a good 6000 miles.
Saw the ortho this morning. The x-ray didn't show much. He was sort of surprised at the lack of arthritis. So he offered me a choice of cortisone or jumping right to the MRI. I opted for the latter. He seems to think it is a deteriorated mensicus, but the MRI is the only way to confirm short of exploring with arthro. So I'm waiting for the hospital to call and set up the MRI. Will keep you posted.
Had the MRI Wed. night. Will see the Dr. Monday morning @ 9:30 for the verdict.
see a chiropractor/kinesiologist. Make sure your posture is good, your not translating ...get evaluated for custom foot inserts.
wornoutboots
12-15-2009, 11:44
I just returned from the northern AT section of the Smokines and I have never felt knee pain until this trip? I switched from Merrels boots with superfeets inserts to Keen Targhee II shoes no inserts straight out of the box, and the OUTSIDES of both knees hurt after the first day and then throughout the next 3 days. Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions about this is appreciated.
Kerosene
12-15-2009, 15:36
I just returned from the northern AT section of the Smokines and I have never felt knee pain until this trip? I switched from Merrels boots with superfeets inserts to Keen Targhee II shoes no inserts straight out of the box, and the OUTSIDES of both knees hurt after the first day and then throughout the next 3 days. Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions about this is appreciated.If you have high arches, then the inserts might have provided overall stability and corrected your pronation. Without the inserts, you may be walking on the outside of your feet, which could force the outside of your knees to absorb the shock (as well as your IT bands and hips, potentially). Go back to the inserts!
Fatman Running
12-15-2009, 17:11
Sounds like a torn meniscus to me, as well. I have had two torn meniscus surgeries over the years and the pain you describe is what I went through. Arthroscopic surgery and a few weeks rest was the solution. Anyone who is 50 plus is more susceptible to this type of injury. Especially if you use your legs as hard and as often as we backpackers do. Good luck with the healing process and keep us informed
mateozzz
12-15-2009, 20:50
Assuming you have no damage that won't heal given a chance, you have to do two things: reduce the current inflamation and prevent future inflamation. So first off, make sure you have good shoes, good foot pronation while walking, and good posture. Then, lay off the hiking or any significant exercise for however long it takes for your knee to stop hurting when you wake up in the morning, taking vitamin I if it is OK with your doctor. During that period if your knee starts to hurt during the day you should ice it on and off for an hour or so to make the pain go away. This is basically giving your tendons a chance to heal, because a swollen tendon not only is a sign of inflammation it also causes more inflammation because the swollen tendon is now rubbing where it usually doesn't. Once you get past the constant pain phase, you need (kneed?) to start exercising and stretching. Here seeing a physical therapist might be useful to show you a good collection of exercises. If any pain crops up, cut back on the exercises and keep up with the icing and pills when necessary. Eventually it will go away, but you could be in for months of pills and icing and years of sensitivity, unless can get serious PT like a pro athlete but even they get sidelined for months with tendinitis.
I've become a big fan of the neoprene ace knee bandages which have a little plastic splint inside them. I wear them when I hike and it tends to keep my knee from wobbling and the kneecap from bouncing, plus it keeps everything warm which is good also. I do sections so often my knees often aren't quite ready for hiking.
BTW, I'm not a doctor but I stayed at a hiker hostel last night.
And the verdict is... deteriorated meniscus. I'm scheduled for arthro next Tues. the 22nd. The surgeon said that a couple of days on crutches and then start rehabbing. Sounds like I'll be out of work about 4 weeks unless it's worse than they think. But this time of year, I don't mind that at all (post office). Will report back after the surgery.
Came through my knee surgery this morning with flying colors. Dr. said there was a little more to clean up than he first thought, but it went very well. Faring very well post-op. Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. Hope to be back on the trails soon.
I've been following this thread closely because I too have something going on with my left knee that I suspect is a torn tendon. My pain is on the outside of my left knee.
One year ago this month I was snowshoeing in the RMNP and slid down a steep bank on my snowshoes. This was lots of fun and way faster than trying to actually walk down a snowbank as steep as the one I was on, but I caught the left shoe on a rock under the snow and folded my leg back under me on the way down. I knew right away I had injured myself and had a lot of difficulty getting down off the mountain that day. In addition, I was heavy into Yoga at the time and wonder if I didn't push myself a bit too far and maybe tore the tendon then, and the fall was just the icing on the cake.
My pain comes when I lift my leg or push against something, and not when I'm putting weight on it. Over the past year I have tried prescription strength anti-inflammatories, daily ice packs, various braces, physical therapy, and plenty of rest to no avail.
One year after the accident, I can still only get about three miles down the trail before the pain comes back. By mile six, I am pretty much walking dead-legged and not moving the joint anymore. Going up hill/down hill...forget about it excruciating even with Lekis. After just short day-hikes, it takes a full week for the pain to subside, and comes right back every time I hike.
I'm in excellent shape and only 35, so this is becoming a real problem for me. I called my insurance company yesterday and changed my primary care physician and intend to go see them with the expectation of getting a referral to a specialist to look at what options I have for a permanent fix. I'm planning to SOBO 2010, so I only have about six months to get it fixed and rehabbed before July. You guys think that's a reasonable timeframe to go from injured to ready to hike 2,200 miles in the mountains?
Otherwise I have no pronation issues or back problems, hike in Merrell Traverse boots with Spenco Backpacker insoles, and on a daily basis rotate through four pairs of new Nike Shox with Superfeet. I don't know what else I could have done over the past year to help myself out, and the doctor I was seeing was no help at all. All he wanted to do was hand out pills and tell me to become a couch potato.
Fatman Running
12-23-2009, 13:26
Hi Phil....Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if it is a torn tendon, you will need a great deal of recovery time. From the sounds of your injury, it could be Iliotibial Band Syndrome (I am a runner and been there and done that, too). Sometimes a cortisone shot will work, sometimes there could be a significant tear that could require surgery. Best thing to do...and I hate this word...is rest. If you don't get treated now and find out the cause and apply a course of treatment, there is no way you will ever make it out of Maine-no way! The Trail in Maine is too rough for any type of leg injury. With all the wet roots and rocks and steep climbs and descents, plus the heavy pack, your legs will be taking a beating and the chance of reinjury is great. See a doc, now!! Hope the prognosis is good and we look forward to seeing you out on our Trail in Maine!
Thanks for the information FMR. I think you probably nailed the prognosis because the pain is in fact centralized around the big tendon running down the back/outside of my knee attaching to my tibia. The biggest pain is right in the middle of the tendon, but radiates out both ends into the muscle if I continue to exercise after the pain starts. If I fight through the pain and try to force my left leg to keep up with the right's level of force, I notice weakness in addition to the pain. After the initial sharp pinches of the pain's onset, the pain rapidly spreads throughout the left side of my knee and into the muscles above and below the joint to the point where I can no longer pinpoint any specific place anymore and weakness sets in shortly thereafter. These symptoms sound about right?
Otherwise, I have tried to rest it as much as possible. Quit Yoga (hopefully temporarily) completely, stopped riding my bicycle, reduced my daily runs down to a 2-mile, and stopped walking/biking six miles to my office. I also cut out a lot of riding my sportbike (which is my favorite toy) because the riding position and vibration takes its toll on my knee problem. This has really reduced my quality of life as you can tell.
I'm one of those guys that never sits down, always in motion, so this is really beginning to become a pain in the hiney. At this point if the new doc says they can fix it via surgery, I'm all for it even though I've never had surgery before and was kinda hoping to make it to the finish line without that particular experience.
And let me guess, if I do end up having surgery, I can forget about a 2010 thru, huh? Bummer because I will be completing my post-grad studies in May and this was my one window of opportunity to thruhike.
Fatman Running
12-23-2009, 15:50
Hi Phil.....You sound like me (my name is Phil, too, by the way). I can't sit still and physical activity is my drug of choice. Unfortunately, you are now at the age where injuries become more and more frequent no matter how hard or what you try to do. Take careful note of the meniscus injuries as well. They will come, they will happen and there is nothing much you can do about them (except maybe channel surf-but that is a fate worse than death). Rest is your only option at this point to allow some healing to begin. Tendons and ligaments are thick, fibrous tissue that takes months to heal and even then, are subject to re-injury at a slight twist off a slippery rock. Have the doc evaluate you (find a good sports related physician who also runs and works out). Hopefully a shot of cortisone will do the trick, but this only masks the pain and you will need to rest for longer than you care to. You may, still be able to do a thru-hike in '10, however, you must always keep in mind your injury. I would recommend starting in Georgia, rather than Maine as the terrain is much more gentle. Even if you left later than most, let's say the beginning of May or even June, this still gives you a five month window of opprtunity to finish. Don't worry about Katahdin being snowed in when you get there. Park is still open and you may have to wait a couple of days (or sneak up like I have done---I didn't say that, by the way!), but the mountain will still be there when you get there. Later start down south also means fewer people, which is nice, but most importantly, you will have better footing and smoother trail. Keep the faith and good luck!.....Phil from Maine
Rockhound
12-23-2009, 16:24
Just a guess here but being 56 years old and hiking 35 miles might be the problem. maybe it's time to slow down a little bit? Or you can just get more perscriptions and hope that does the trick. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kerosene
12-23-2009, 18:46
It's extremely difficult to calibrate how much to "slow down" to avoid injury, especially when you've been athletic all your life. I'm trying to figure out where the line is, and I'm continually crossing it as I try to figure out what my body will accommodate; at the same time, I dread becoming a couch potato and gaining weight due to repeated injuries.
The other difference is that you heal much more slowly as you age. When I tore my MCL a few years ago, the ortho said that this was a 4-week injury for a 20-year old, but a 4 month(!) recovery for a 50-year old. He was dead-on, despite my aggressive PT.
Fatman Running
12-24-2009, 10:56
Your doc was right on with his determination of recovery time. I, too, have noticed easier injuries from things I use to do without much thought. I have run three marathons (last one 4 years ago) and have tried to retrain to do another. I have found that I can not run with the same intensity and when my mileage increases, I end up injured. Last injury was a groin pull (I use to always laugh at this injury when I heard it from watching football-bunch of sissies, I thought). I slipped while running over some ice and the injury has still not fully recovered, even after a years time. I have had to "slow up" and, I too, struggle with how much is too much. The mind is always more willing than the body. Sucks to get old! Bad knees, groin pull, arthritis starting to show up in my hands, bad rotator cuff-oh, whoa is me. That's all the crying I will do today. God still allows me the freedom and ability to continue to do the things I enjoy doing, even if it is a little slower. Old fart that I am, I can still walk most of the younger crowd into the ground out on the Trail. I still have my pride!!....Phil, the Flatulator from Maine...GA > ME '77 & 82
The 2nd day was the worst. I guess all the pain meds had worn off, even though I had orals to take. But come to find out that the lack of motion was the main culprit. Once I called the Dr. and he said to exercise and move as tolerated, it has become much easier to get up and down for trips to the little boy's room. I'm not really having much pain in the knee itself, just the weakness of the joint. I can get around pretty good. Plan to start the rehab exercises this afternoon. Getting the swelling down will help as much as anything.
Your doc was right on with his determination of recovery time. I, too, have noticed easier injuries from things I use to do without much thought. I have run three marathons (last one 4 years ago) and have tried to retrain to do another. I have found that I can not run with the same intensity and when my mileage increases, I end up injured. Last injury was a groin pull (I use to always laugh at this injury when I heard it from watching football-bunch of sissies, I thought). I slipped while running over some ice and the injury has still not fully recovered, even after a years time. I have had to "slow up" and, I too, struggle with how much is too much. The mind is always more willing than the body. Sucks to get old! Bad knees, groin pull, arthritis starting to show up in my hands, bad rotator cuff-oh, whoa is me. That's all the crying I will do today. God still allows me the freedom and ability to continue to do the things I enjoy doing, even if it is a little slower. Old fart that I am, I can still walk most of the younger crowd into the ground out on the Trail. I still have my pride!!....Phil, the Flatulator from Maine...GA > ME '77 & 82A lot of the injuries athletes experience as they get older can be attributed to the "Ravages of Time", but also as one becomes older, they simply do not recover as quickly or completely as they once did in their younger years. Recovery for the older athlete is even more important, and is one of the least understood topics regarding physical activity and it's benefits. An older athlete simply needs more recovery time. And recuperation (not just rest but eating well, stress control,etc...) needs to be paid attention to much more so than for the younger athlete. This doesn't mean just sitting around like a sloth, but maybe walking instead of all out running, etc... Marathon training has to be one of the most intense things a person can train to do. I believe I read some where that the most successful participants are the one's who actually teach themselves the importance to "undertrain" in order to incorporate more recovery into the equation. This allows them the ability to bank way more energy, let little nagging injuries heal, and to let their body more fully recover so they have this energy available the day of the race.
Just a guess here but being 56 years old and hiking 35 miles might be the problem. maybe it's time to slow down a little bit? Or you can just get more perscriptions and hope that does the trick. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 35 miles was spread out over 3 days, the terrain was practically flat, and I was only carrying 6-8 lbs. No, I think my main culprits were 1) age, 2) being overweight, and 3) the work I do (mailcarrier). Beginning the walking program just accelerated it. Better now than in 5 years when I want to hike the AT. Funny, I began the walking program to help with weight loss and it ended up helping cause the problem. Some days, you can't win.
Recovery update: I can now move about the house most of the time without the cane and have gotten outside some. Ran a few errands today with the wife and it felt fine afterwards. Can do all my rehab exercises almost 100%. Swelling is down about 75%. Still stiff in the mornings. The original pain on the inside of the knee is completely gone. Still hope to take it easy for a few more weeks beofre returning to work. Thanks to all for your cares and concerns. :banana(Note to self- use extra care when getting up from table at restaurant while holding cane; almost hit THE knee!):eek:
Fatman Running
12-29-2009, 10:27
Sounds like you are on the right track, Gramps. Best thing you can do is to listen to the doc and to take slow, easy walks to keep your leg strength up, but mostly to keep your attitude positive. Be careful not to roll your ankle and extra careful on uneven surfaces as this adds additional stress to the injury area and you will feel that "ice-pick" jolt you awake in the knee area if not careful. Because I have "been there, done that" and because I have noted your age, I will also offer the bad news of "your other knee will experiance the same fate somewhere down the road". It is only a matter of time. Meniscus injuries are more discomfort than out and out pain, and once the tissue has been trimmed back, there is seldom re-injury in the same area. I was always able to continue to hike, but the injury was always there to remind me until I finally couldn't take it any more and saw the doc. Glad you are doing better. Now we just need to pray and be concerned for our buddy Phil and hope he heals and gets back into the GA>ME.
Thanks FR,
Yes I do use extra care now while walking. Surprised I haven't run into something since I'm constantly looking down. And yes, I feel sure that somewhere down the line, the other knee will present itself and I'll be going through this again. Actually my first joint problem was with the other knee a few years ago, but I've had little trouble with it since. So it wouldn't surprise me to get back out walking and hiking again and have the right one flare up. I have my post-op check-up Thursday. I'm anxious to see what the Dr. says. My completely uneducated guess is another 2 weeks off from work and then another check-up. And true, I never really had sharp pain, more of a discomforting annoyance.
Went to the Dr. for post-op check-up. He said everything is going along great, but will probably be another 2-6 weeks before I can return to work due to the nature of my work. Will probably begin taking short walks next week. I can hear the trails calling off in the distance.:banana
WILLIAM HAYES
01-01-2010, 17:15
try zyflamend all natural and good clinical research works for me
Doooglas
01-01-2010, 23:03
Grampz. Water is your friend.
If you have a YMCA or a hotel nearby see if you can work a deal and SWIM.
Swimming is the safest and most overlooked exercise there is.
Doooglas,
All the hotels and motels in this area have outdoors pools and the Y requires regular membership to use the pool. Financially, I'm not able to do that at this time. But thanks for the insight.
To all:
It's 2 weeks post-op today and the knee feels very good, with only occasional twinges. Hardly using the cane at all now. Am going to try short easy walks this week and go from there. No longer bothering me at night anymore.:banana
johnnybgood
01-05-2010, 18:04
Doooglas,
All the hotels and motels in this area have outdoors pools and the Y requires regular membership to use the pool. Financially, I'm not able to do that at this time. But thanks for the insight.
To all:
It's 2 weeks post-op today and the knee feels very good, with only occasional twinges. Hardly using the cane at all now. Am going to try short easy walks this week and go from there. No longer bothering me at night anymore.:banana
Good to hear that you are making progress on the knee and going on easy low impact walks .
If you talk with your doctor about a rehabilitation protocol which includes swimming exercises at your local Y maybe he can do something.
I do know that if it is prescribed after surgery treatment then your insurance should kick in the 80% to cover it or whatever amount your plan pays.
Also sometimes fitness centers will give you a trial membership free for a week just to intice you to join but there are no strings attached.
I did just that at two different fitness centers and got 2 weeks free knowing full well that they were in competition with each other and they both wanted my money.
Bear Cables
01-11-2010, 00:09
I have had medial tendonitits (golfers elbow) for a couple of years now and had two shots :( The pain returned. I now take glucosime condrodant (sp?) daily and 4 advil with an acid reducer twice a day. The pain is 90 percent gone. One a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being hurt just to move or touch my elbow, I am now a 3.
OK, folks, 3 weeks post-op and things still going along well. Have taken several short walks at almost the same pace as before this all began and no problems. Will begin daily short walks and need to continue rehab exercises and ice. Doing light chores around the house and it does get stiff some. Return to the Dr. next Tuesday for another check-up.
One month post-op today and motoring right along. Went to the Dr. Tuesday and he said things look good. Have some swelling on the left foot (same leg) and he said that could last up to a year. Not really a bother, just feels different. Still a little stiff when first getting up after sitting a while. Walking each day weather permitting, up to 1.4 miles at a time now. Returning to work next Sat. 30th. Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. This will be my last regular post on this. See you on the trails.:banana
Great thread... especially for us trying to stay active in our post prime years. :-?
I am a runner and trail hiker but gave up road marathons about 5 years ago. The pounding was making my joints ache and it was getting tougher to recover, keeping me from my primary love which is backpacking. I still do trail running and ultra-distance running, which at my age means you run the flats slowly, the downhills a little quicker and hike the uphills. The constant change re-distributes stresses. When I get joint aches I back off and often get a deep tissue sports massage to reduce inflexibilty associated with aging. It can be a painful process and really falls into the category of PT. My knee problems (aches) have almost always been caused by muscle imbalances (outside/inside hip) or compensation issues between the left side and right side of my body (it could be anything).
One of the best pieces of advice on this thread was the post that said "listen to your body". When it hurts, don't continue. I have had to abandon a few section hikes early due to achillies issues. The sooner you stop, the quicker your recovery will be.
Also, shoes/boots and proper inserts can make a different. You really don't want the super squishy inserts because your foot loses the ability to stabilize the knee. In my case, an arch support insert has helped with ITB issues.
Meds seem to be a double edge sword. They can reduce inflamation but there is evidence that healing is prolonged. Alternate ice- heat- ice in 10 minute intervals may help with circulation and therefore healing. I do use Glucosamine Sulfate as a nuitritional supplement every day of my life (in recent times).
Knee injuries can be of a few different types from miniscus tears, cartilidge deterioration or imbalances (poor tracking), or some type of trauma. Proper diagnoses and a couple of opinions by a sports medicine Dr is important. A general practioner may not have the right answer all the time.
Gramps... thanks for staying with us and keeping the progress reports coming. I hope your recovery comes along well and puts you back on the trail soon.:)
Just John
Gramps..Like you I'm an older hiker. Thru-hiked at 67. In 2000 I attempted my first thru. I got to Fontana Dam and was experiencing knee pain. Took 3 days off and still had a lot of pain so I packed it in and went home.
My doc took x-rays and an MRI and saw no major problems. He determined that the pain was from over use by hiking.
My daughter is a physical therapeutist and prescribed a excercise program to strenthen the muscles that support the knee. I followed this program for a couple of months along with taking glueosamine & chondroitin and could walk pain free by fall. The next spring I start hiking from Fontana. Got all the way to Katahden without having any knee pain. I swear by glueosamine & chondroitin and still tate it daily.
Grampie & JB,
Thanks for your comments. My problems I feel are coming from a couple of different areas. First, I have been a mail carrier for 23 years. Not the city guys, many of whom walk their whole routes, but a rural carrier, which means I am standing for 3-4 hours a day and then riding in my car 3-4 hrs. The leaning, twisting, turning, and sometimes heavy lifting all contribute. Then it's in and out of the car anywhere from 10-60 times a day, depending on the # of packages I have. But second, and probably contributing the most to my problem, is my weight, way over what I should be. I began the walking as an attempt to remedy this and it has caught up with me. I do feel that if I can get this area going in the right direction, it will help alleviate a lot of my problems. The Dr. did say that probably in 5-10 years, I will be a candidate for knee replacement. I think that the other knee will most likely present itself with the same problem as my left. But only time will tell. I have considered the glucosimine/condrotin (sp) avenue and may look into it further. But I do hope that within the next 3-4 years, I can kiss the PO goodbye and concentrate fully on my hiking & backpacking. So gentlemen, here's to our good health, and may we all finish our bucket lists before we go to that great shelter in the sky. Happy Trails!:o
It's now 5 months post-op and have completed my first extended hike. I covered 24 miles over 2 1/2 days on basically flat terrain. Did 6 miles in the morning and 4 in the evening. When I covered the same ground last October, I was only making just over 1.5 mph with a noticable limp. This hike, I easily maintained 2.25-2.5 mph. Note: I was not trying to maintain a certain speed, but this was just the easiest way for me to judge my rehab progress. Before surgery, taking the slightest downhill step was very uncomfortable, but now no noticable feeling at all. So hopefully I am over the hump for good. The knee is still stiff after riding a lot, but just have to remember to work it some. :banana
It's now 5 months post-op and have completed my first extended hike. I covered 24 miles over 2 1/2 days on basically flat terrain. Did 6 miles in the morning and 4 in the evening. When I covered the same ground last October, I was only making just over 1.5 mph with a noticable limp. This hike, I easily maintained 2.25-2.5 mph. Note: I was not trying to maintain a certain speed, but this was just the easiest way for me to judge my rehab progress. Before surgery, taking the slightest downhill step was very uncomfortable, but now no noticable feeling at all. So hopefully I am over the hump for good. The knee is still stiff after riding a lot, but just have to remember to work it some. :bananaGlad it is doing better. Remember also, and don't know if you are, but being overweight can also contribute to knee issues. And I am not just talking about the pack:D. Losing the gut can really benefit the knees, as well as obviousely everything else.
DD,
I have absolutely no doubt that excess weight has contributed greatly to my problem. I am working on that but it will take some time. I have finally found something that works for me, but I will have to take it slow or I'll put it right back on.
Bear Cables
06-10-2010, 10:17
I haven't experienced knee pain but I did struggle with medial tendoitis in my elbow for several months. Two cortizone shots were only temporary. I started taking a Glucosamine-Chondroitin product along with advil on a regular basis and have not had any more pain. Worked for me but I understand some may not want to take alot of advil. i take an acid reducer with it as well. Good luck with the healing.