Archived Thread

NFT: To any long distance runner out there

blueblood'11 : 9/21/2017 9:04 am

I've been running all my life. Love long distance running. Never ever had a hint of knee problems. Ever! Love 10k races and half marathons. I run regularly when not training for a race. While training recently for a half marathon I did an 8 miler and felt great. Took the next off. Actually I did a light two mile jog the next day to work out any stiffness. The next day my knee felt like it was slightly sprained and it really hurt to flex it.

A week later it was much better but it was clear I could not run on it and while it seemed to be lessening each day I decided to have it looked at. The orthopedic doctor feels the cartilage may be the problem. After looking at my X-ray he said everyone should have knees that look that good. So there is no sign of arthritis or bone issues. He decided I need an MRI so he can better decide if I need a scope.

It's the inside of the knee by the MCL. While he says it's the cartilage it feels more like its outside rather then inside the knee. Maybe it's just referred discomfort. He says no running for now and I understand. He thinks if I do need a scope it would be about 3 to 4 weeks at the most to recover because he doesn't think there much of an issue there other then that.

Anyone out there ever had a similar situation and if so were you able to continue running once the knee was fixed. He didn't give me any indication I wouldn't be able to. I don't know why I couldn't. I suppose I'm just looking negatively at something I don't know much about. My other question is, if Im able to run again what kind of activities did you do to keep in sort of reasonable condition prior to the scope and afterwards until you were able resume running so as to not be too out of shape.

In the grand scheme of things

UConn4523 : 9/21/2017 9:12 am : link

it sounds minor. Can't give advice on whether to get a scope or not, but it sounds like taking a month off will do a lot of good. It may be worth trying before the scope.

I had knee problems as a teenager that forced me to quit soccer. It was horrible pain that felt like tendinitis but was actually my femur not fully grown and causing issues under the kneecap. Once I hit college it was fine and I can run now with no pain, but it definitely sucked at 15/16 years old.

I agree with UConn, doesn't seem like a major deal.

Section331 : 9/21/2017 9:23 am : link

Rest and ice should get you back up and running in a few weeks. In the meantime, maybe try an elliptical for workouts? It would put less pressure on the knee. I use one on non-running days, I like them because they're low impact and it's easy to adjust speed (unlike a treadmill).

Thanks

blueblood'11 : 9/21/2017 9:35 am : link

It does feel a lot better each day and I guess it would be my decision on getting it scoped. I just hope I didn't jump the gun going to the orthopedic. I like the idea of the elliptical too. I was on them guite extensively recently because I had a high hamstring strain and was with a therapist to rehab it.

...

26.2 : 9/21/2017 10:01 am : link

You are doing the right thing by listening to your body. A lot of runners are too stubborn to do that. It doesn't sound like your issue is too severe. So it shouldn't take long to get back to 100%. Elliptical training and maybe spin classes will give you good workouts without making anything worse most likely.

if something hurts

well...bye TC : 9/21/2017 10:23 am : link

dont do it. Find something that doesnt hurt and do it.

if its getting better each day

Giants86 : 9/21/2017 10:31 am : link

this is a good thing. Just rest it for awhile.

I recommend this book

Bluenatic : 9/21/2017 10:35 am : link

Complete injury prevention and treatment for runners by an HHS physician w/ 30+ marathons under his belt.
Amazon link - ( New Window )

As a cyclist

sometimeswrite : 9/21/2017 11:13 am : link

for 30 + years doing 5,000 to 6,000 annually I had a similar issue, may not apply but for me it was the result of my stretching routine that caused it.

You know

blueblood'11 : 9/21/2017 12:24 pm : link

I wondered if my stretching could have caused this. My daughter is a marathon runner and she tells me I stretch too much and she does a very minimal amount of stretching. It's funny, some runners swear by it others not so much.