Dodgy Knee

[EvianBaby]

Recently I've been having problems with my left knee. When it's bent, after a while it becomes extremely painful. Obviously I just try not to sit with it bent every night I wake up in quite a lot of pain because I've been sleeping with it bent, then even more pain when I straiten my leg. After a few minutes of it being straightened it gets more comfortable.

Anything I can do about it?

[Sqad]

Couple of questions.

Does it " lock?"

Does it " let you down" when walking

[TheOtherHalf]

Im iawaiting the answer to this, as I have 2 dodgy knees. Its very painful when your knees hurt Evianbaby, but you need to keep moving. I find sitting for too klong makes them worse

[EvianBaby]

No, I don't think it does either of those things Sqad. It just hurts.

I think sitting is part of the problem OtherHalf, but I'm a full time desk jockey so there isn't much I can do about that bit.

[albaqwerty]

Go to the docs Evian, they might suggest exercises or something.

[TheOtherHalf]

I have a permanent Co Codomal prescription now to use when necessary and also do some Pilate exercises which isnt too much of a strain on my knees. I was told also to strengthen my quads which should help

[Smowball]

Arthritis?

[EvianBaby]

The doc is still waiting for me to make an appointment I was supposed to have 6 months ago. She might tell me off.

[albaqwerty]

Tell her you've been busy!

[EvianBaby]

I'd be surprised if it was anything as 'serious' as arthritis. Aside from the fact I'm only 29! Although, I am now having to die the grey out of my hair and I've started moaning about taxis so I may well be older than I think ;)

(I know you can get arthritis at any age)

I'll see if Sqad can suggest anything then think about visiting the doc. I'm still registered where I used to live so it's a bit of a pain getting there.

[albaqwerty]

Whilst you're at your desk, is there anyway that you an sit with your leg straight?
Doesn't sound like cartilege (sp) but am not a doc.

[Sqad]

Evian/TOH.....right ...different problems i would suggest.

Evian...this sounds very much like a ligamentous strain probably due to some abnormal activity, and it should settle with minimal exercises and Ibuprofen either in tablet form or by cream.

TOH.....yours I'm afraid is more likely to be the result of mild degenerative changes, possibly early osteoarthritis and once again the same advice as for Evian, Ibuprofen, mild exrecises and perhaps a visit to the GP re, X-Rays.

Woofgang is our " resident physiotherapist" and she might have something to add concerning the exercises.

[EvianBaby]

Ta Sqad. Would I get any benefit from wearing some sort of knee support?

[Sqad]

That is a contentious issue........I am not too keen on knee supports, but perhaps Woofy may have a differing opinion.

[TheOtherHalf]

Thanks Sqad. Ibroprofen doesnt do anything for me. Co Codomel is the only thing that eases the pain. Ive had an Xray and you are right, it is old age catching up (osteoporosis). I do a vast amount of walking in summer and always feel better for it but this weather doesnt help.
Hope you find a solution too EvianBaby

[woofgang]

Not a physio sqad, but a retired Occupational Therapist. TOH, who told you to strengthen your quads and did they suggest any exercises? The easiest one to do is straight leg raises but if you are wearing away your knee then reps are't going to be helpful so add resistance so you need do less. Get a can out of the kitchen cupboard and bung it in a small bag. attach the bag to your ankle and do your leg raises so you have added weight to lift. Remove can and bag before standing up lol. Swimming is a good one too as you have the added resistance of the water but are not bearing weight.

[woofgang]

If your knee lets you down when walking, then a knee support might be unavoidable but its the usual issue, for a support to be any good for safety it needs to more or less immobilise the joint, if you can bend the knee it won't be preventing the knee letting you down and it will be preventing you from strengthening your quads by inhibiting knee movement. If walking helps then do that.

[TheOtherHalf]

woodgang - The Doc and hospital physio said helping my quads would take pressure off my knees. I used to Zumba 4 times a week last year and had to stop (shame cos I loved it). It isnt Zumba that did it as Ive had knee problems for years now. I cant remember what exercises they are now apart from the one you mentioned, as I dont do them as often as I should. I tried swimming last year but as I can only really do breaststroke, found it very painful ( shame cos I love swimming too). Walking and cycling are the only things I can still do without too much pain. I did find since Ive lost 2 and half stone, they are better too

[TheOtherHalf]

woofgang- sorry, my fingers arent co ordinating either this morning LOL

[EvianBaby]

Thanks Woof, I won't waste any money on a knee support then. I'll just try and get off my but a bit more :)

[woofgang]

forgot static quads....be forgetting my own head next :-)
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/knee-rehabilitation/knee-rehab-exercises/static-quads