Another knee problem

[Midnight]

Getting up from a chair last November, I twisted my right knee - only a slight twist so thought it was nothing serious. However cycling seemed to aggravate it, so I stopped cycling until it passed which took nearly 8 weeks...

Started cycling again xmas eve. I was determined to continue through the worst of the winter weather and all was going well until a fire at my flat mid January forced a 2 week hiatus.

Back on the bike again in Feb. Started off gently, just 10-15 miles a day, but after three weeks, the knee pain returned. I stopped cycling immediately, but over a week or so the pain seemed to be worsening. So last friday I went to see my G.P.

G.P. gave my knee a phsical examination, but said he couldn't find any obvious cause of the pain, but he told me take painkillers and stop cycling...

(In 2005 I was knocked off my bike by a mad motorist and spent some time in hospital. A specialist told me that my right knee had suffered some minor damage.)

Anyhow, I know there are people on here who know more about these problems than I do, and I would like advice on where I go next. Should I be considering knee surgery?, or should I wait to see if the problem goes away?

I've only been off the bike for two weeks but already i'm going stir-crazy. Now that spring is around the corner the temptation to jump on the bike is growing...

 

[Vikeonabike]

Midnight, where does the pain originate from? The knee is so complex that the injury could be one of a number of things. For now, rest, Ibobrufen (doesn't mask the symptoms like some other pain killers / anti inflamatory drugs) and Ice. I would suggest stretching, Quads, ITB, hamstrings and glutes as well.

 

[Fiona N]

Get thee to a physiotherapist

The knee is a complex joint and there are many possible causes for pain and niggles, some of which won't go away just by being left, e.g. if the problem is a muscle imbalance causing misalignment of the joint, there will be pain every time you cycle until you address the muscle imbalance. GPs are next to useless at this, as diagnosis of the problem requires time and experience with knees - things which most GPs just don't have.

If you're in a hurry you may need to pay a private physio (in which case, look for a sports physio) or ask your GP to refer you to an NHS one (this could take weeks or months - sports injuries are not high on the list of priorities of the NHS despite all the exhortations to do more exercise ).

The key thing with physios is to follow the instructions you're given - too many people bellyache about their physio doing them no good when what they're expecting is some sort of fairy godmother who waves a magic wand and everything is made better. Physiotherapy on knees pretty much always involves carrying out some rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the joint and its stabilising muscles - if you don't do the exercises, you're wasting everyone's time.

Surgery should be a long way down the list of possible remedies even if you're in your 60's.

 

[Midnight]

Vikeonabike - The pain is often to the upper left or upper right of the knee-cap, though I often find it difficult to pin down exactly where it's coming from. You mention Ibuprofen; I'm not keen on taking pain-killers because they mask the pain and I'd rather put up with the pain so I know how the injury is progressing. I will take your advice on the stretches though, but how do I stretch the ITB?

Fiona N - I did ask my GP to refer me to a physio and he said he'd get one to ring me (presumably an NHS one) though I shalln't hold my breath whilst waiting for a call. I've taken in everything you've said about following the physio's advice and I've absolutely no intention of ignoring any instructions - I want this sorting, not riding is killing me .

"Surgery should be a long way down the list of possible remedies even if you're in your 60's."


- Do I look that old?, I'm a very youthful 47 I'll have you know, you cheeky young whippersnapper!

Thanks to you both for what sounds like sound advice...

 

[Vikeonabike]

Vikeonabike - The pain is often to the upper left or upper right of the knee-cap, though I often find it difficult to pin down exactly where it's coming from. You mention Ibuprofen; I'm not keen on taking pain-killers because they mask the pain and I'd rather put up with the pain so I know how the injury is progressing. I will take your advice on the stretches though, but how do I stretch the ITB?


Thanks to you both for what sounds like sound advice...

Midnight, Ibobrufen is an anti inflamatory...rather than a pain killer. That combined with Ice will reduce inflamation...

ITB Just google it, but here's a link for starters.
http://www.marathon-training-program.com/stretching.html
just scroll down too ITB stretch.

 

[Midnight]

Thanks for the info on Ibuprofen Vike'. The doctor did mention ibuprofen - I just wish GPs would give people more info, rather than just 'take the tablets...'

 

[mr Mag00]

they cant , they have little more info than that. the last time i went the doc asked what i searched on google for my symptoms lol!