Knee Issue (Sports Related)

[ozziecat35]

So I went jogging last week (8 days now) after taking a long break from it. Since getting out of the military 7 years ago, I'd call myself a casual jogger. Anywho, I hadn't done any running in about a year, and decided to get back into, and did about 2 - 2.5 miles in approx 20 minutes. I stretched, etc before hand, and was sore the next day, but the standard sore quad feeling, not the "ouch I hurt something" feeling. I played hockey thursday night (goaltender) and didn't have any issues. Friday evening, I get get home from work and my left knee is starting to get sore. Saturday morning, I can't put weight on my left leg...I'll elaborate. I can put full weight on my leg when it's straight, but any weight while it's bent, is excruciating. Stairs are the worst, going down more so than going up. I can bend my leg just fine with no weight on it.

I've been icing it every night after work, along with Motrin for pain (which doesn't touch it). It doesn't feel "loose" just a very acute pain on the outside of my left knee, below my knee cap at about 300 degrees if i look straight down at my knee. (If that makes any sense?).

My Google Fu returns a possible lateral meniscus injury, but what the hell do I know? I've played hockey for over 20 years, 15 of which as a goalie, and in the last 2 years I've really picked up how much I play and have gotten much more proficient as a butterfly goaltender then the standup goalie I was trained as as a kid.

So, there's the background, etc...it's been 8 days, and no real improvement. How much longer until I seek some professional help, and even then, how do I start? My family MD, or do I head straight to an orthopedic specialist?

Thanks!

 

[hammerhat]

I've had a very similar issue few years ago (don't remember all the details but symptoms sound very familiar) Went to M.D. she referred me to a physical therapist. PT recommended some specific stretches and "back to running" program which was basically intervals every other day starting from 1 mile at slow pace building up to my normal pace/distance.

 

[ozziecat35]

I've had a very similar issue few years ago (don't remember all the details but symptoms sound very familiar) Went to M.D. she referred me to a physical therapist. PT recommended some specific stretches and "back to running" program which was basically intervals every other day starting from 1 mile at slow pace building up to my normal pace/distance.

Thanks. Yeah I'm definitely not to the "back to running" phase yet...still can't put weight on it...if there's no improvement by mid next week, I'll head to the Doc.

 

[falconvalley]

Injuries aside, I definitely recommend a lot less ground pounding when you start again. Your body needs 2-3 weeks to get used to the idea of running again, especially if your form is off and you have any really weak spots that are getting hammered. A lot happens during the 1st couple weeks so it's really important the workouts are consistent and not destructive. In fact, one of the books I have has a "beginner" program that basically amounts to jogging for a minute and walking for a minute 10 times on day one and somewhat similar workouts on days 2 and 3. The book also recommends no more than 3 or 4 days a week.

 

[CFI A&P]

As soon as you can, seek medical assistance. I tore the lateral and medial meniscus in one of my knees nearly ten years ago. As a result of a motorcycle wreck. I Immediately sought a doctor (well, I didn't have a choice, that's where the ambulance went). No surgery, it was crutches and immobilization , then physical therapy for a little while. No long term issues from that injury. Don't fret too much, It isn't a lifestyle changer, just puts you on the bench for a little while. It won't affect your medical either, as long as you don't have any complications with it.

 

[ozziecat35]

As soon as you can, seek medical assistance. I tore the lateral and medial meniscus in one of my knees nearly ten years ago. As a result of a motorcycle wreck. I Immediately sought a doctor (well, I didn't have a choice, that's where the ambulance went). No surgery, it was crutches and immobilization , then physical therapy for a little while. No long term issues from that injury. Don't fret too much, It isn't a lifestyle changer, just puts you on the bench for a little while. It won't affect your medical either, as long as you don't have any complications with it.

Thanks for the replies! Being the stubborn jackass that I am, I decided to give it more time and just rest it as much as possible and ice / elevate it in the evenings. That seemed to do the trick. 2 weeks after the injury, I was able to skate a few nights ago (on defense, not goal) and was able to go full out and corner / hockey stop, etc. I'll see how I feel next week for hockey, but should be ok going back in net. I think I may have over-reacted to the initial pain on stairs & pulled the "Web-MD = Cancer" trick.

Getting old sucks.