Can I heal my knee on my own?
I am 32. Cycling has been my primary activity for the last 16 years. Prior to 1999, i would run a few miles several times a year as well. In 1999, i ran about 2.5 miles just about every other day for about 5 months always on the same route, which only has one small hill. In October, i noticed discomfort in right knee and immediately stopped the running. It is 5 months later now and the discomfort is still there. I've tried to heal it on my own first and have yet to see a doctor but nothing seems to work. When i first noticed it, i started taking ibuprofen and icing the knee at least once a day. This actually seemed to make it worse. I also wore a velcro "wrap" to prohibit excessive movement. I've read a lot about "Runners Knee" but for some reason, i don't think this discomfort fully fits the definition of that injury. I must say that there has never been any major PAIN, mostly just an annoying, distracting irritation towards the inside part of the knee. Stairs do indeed bring on the irritation, almost like something is rubbing something the wrong way. Anyway, i have stayed away from ALL running, cycling and other activies that would cause stress to the knee for the last 5 months but it is still there and really stressing me out mentally because i'm just getting out of shape doing nothing. I'm currently trying to stretch all the leg muscles thoroughly every day and this has been providing some relief. Does anyone know what knee injury this thing might fall under? Is it a mild form of "chondromalacia"??? Does anyone think i can heal on my own or should i just bite the bullet and seek medical help? Any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks -jim
From:
Jim Hudak - jhudak@metzcorp.com
