Knee injury/pain

[Alan]

I would like to hear from anyone out there who has had experience with any type of knee problems/injuries past and present and what you did to take care of your injury.

In my right knee I have osteoarthritis and very little cartilage remaining on one side. In the past I have had this knee “scoped” 2 different times and most recently have had the “SYNVISC” gel injections.

The problem is I still am unable to run with good form, no pain and no swelling or 100% mobility (due to the swelling) not to mention I haven’t run any great distance since July and I’m really missing it. I can still bike but even that is starting to have an effect on me.

On Monday (tomorrow) I have an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Facility in Garfield. I decided after all of this I need to see an Orthopedic Surgeon that specializes in sports medicine/injuries.
I know I should have done this from the start. Thanks for any advice you might be able to give me.

[MarkD]

Alan. I too have osteoarthritis in my knees. As you, my right knee is much worse. Again, like you, one side of that knee is in worse shape than the other.

Here's where we differ: I've been in this position for 5 years and my knee doesn't seem to be getting worse - but that may not be true since I can't see the potential destruction of the joint from the inside. I only respond to the pain and the shape - which has not changed much recently.

I've been using Lurosil Advanced for the last 4 years. Its expensive ($45/month), but, I'm trying to extend the life of my knees as much as I can. I honestly don't know if it works, but, like I said, it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

One advantage I have is that I have good running form, so the knee grinding is minimized. I also began using Newtons which claim to be easier on the joints (who knows if that's true, but hell, I'll try anything).

About 2 weeks ago, I began an exercise routine to try and properly re-align my structure. The stiffness I had in my lower back has gone away in this short amount of time. I'm hopin' that, over the long haul, my knees and hips will begin functioning in their proper manner and the grinding will reduce itself. The body will regenerate itself if its in proper alignment. If you're interested in the program, shoot me an e-mail at madurno (at) att (dot) net and I'll e-mail you the link.

Gettin' old sucks....

[Alan]

Mark,
Did ya get my e-mail? sent it off shortly after your post.
I went to my appointment at the Sports Health Center and couldn't have been happier with the Dr. He was very honest with me and discussed all options to keep me running/cycling.

We got to talking about my background (triathlons, MTBing, etc.)
He floored me when he said "So, you ride single-track", most Dr's
don't even know what single-track is. Right then I knew I got the right Dr. for me.

The outcome isn't what I had hoped for but I have to think about this realistically and the true condition of my knee.
I will be getting fitted for an "Unloader Brace" in the upcoming week and then onto PT. The next alternative, well I'm not ready for that one yet.

I would recommend this Dr. and facility for anyone and any type of athlete.

[MarkD]

Yeah, I just saw it a few minutes ago - I was out of town and didn't check e-mail until just now - I sent you a reply. Glad to hear of a good doc in the area...

[jeffjls]

Alan,

I just read your post and may have some help for you. Although it will likely come up as extremely controversial on this site and most runners and coaches you talk to, spend a few minutes on the Pose Running website www.posetech.com and see what you think. I was so helped by the program that I became a Coach even though I coach maybe 2-3 runners a year. I went from a painful runner to enjoying running for the first time and without pain. We look at running as an activity that requires specific skill which means it takes more work, but really does so a great job. My coach works with some of the best athletes in the world and went to the Olympics in Beijing with Mexico and Great Britain's Tri Teams as coach. Just give it a few minutes and feel free to contact me through my website jlsfitness.com...my email is on the contact page. I will meet you for nuthin' if you are interested b/c I no longer use this coaching as a money maker b/c I don't have enough time for it any more.

Good Luck,

Jeff