About a knee problem
I have had a few runners ask me what happened to the article that was posted some time ago on knee injury. It was somehow deleted but I was able to find the information again. I hope this is helpful to those that wrote me asking for the article. Here it is;
Knee Surgery; by Kevin Sayers (web site.) Take a look at his web site when you get a chance. He is listed on the links page. Thanks Kevin!
Experience From - Jay Hodde , Terri, Bob , Tim Rowell ,
Jay Hodde
Subject: Knee Surgery
Don said:
"My injury stems from a number of reasons, mainly an abrupt increase in both distance run per week and weight I was lifting at the time my problem occurred. "
It sounds like your injury was traumatic in nature.
"I am seriously considering seeing a specialist to find out the extent of this injury. Is this the best route to take? I want to know also what are possible forms of treatment for knee problems(I am presently dealing with swelling and a feeling of pressure surrounding the knee cap). "
Pressure comes from the swelling. While the location of swelling can be an indicator of a specific problem, swelling likes to "flow along the path of least resistence." In the knee, that's usually around the patella.
Aside from doing nothing, an MRI and arthroscopic surgery, if indicated, are the usual first means of treatment. Some doctors will also take X-rays.
"I am rather skepticle of having knee surgery. On a minor injury, is there good chances of returning to running ultras and such?"
From my experience, the vast majority of runners will return to their sport following surgery. Look at it this way -- can you run an ultra the way your knee is now? Probably not. And will it get better on its own? After 2 months without progress, I would say those chances are also diminishing.
"Am I getting overly concerned about this or is this something for further research and inqury? Should I go ahead and see an Orthopedic MD or is there alternative forms of treatment? "
Knowing what little you have told me, I would suggest seeing an orthopod. I would expect her/him to do an exam, take x-rays, and possibly order an MRI if your condition isn't "obvious". If the diagnosis seems straight-forward, I've seen them schedule surgery on the spot. Even though an MRI isn't always necessary, your medical insurance might require it be done as a prerequisite for surgery.
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