Knee problems?

[Richyboy]

Any ideas on improving knee health and function?

I changed my diet and I’ve gradually been able to get to a point where I can run without stopping. I feel like I can run for hours. For me this is an achievement because a year ago, although I frequented the gym I couldn’t run for st. I’d be out of breath, aching all over and stitches galore. What’s stopping me going further now is my knees, the left in particular. It seems to crack like it’s stuck in position but there is no pain or resistance in moving it. I’m not sure if this is a symptom of taking up running after never doing it or something more insidious. When running my knees feel fine but when not running I seem to get a lot of cracking.

I suspect my GP will tell me to go to a private physiotherapist. I don’t want to destroy my knees so probably will. I always make sure to do stretching before running and warm up my legs. I’ve tried arches in my trainers and knee supports so far to no avail.

[Fastpedeller]

Take up cycling - a lot easier on the knees than running, and will stabilise the joints.

[TwistingMyMelon]

My knees crack and snap a lot, I also had pain in one for about a year

Saw 3 different physios, some better than others, ironically the best was the NHS one at my local surgery, I had to wait 6 months (!!!!!) for an appt but he spent ages analysing my knees. The private ones were OK and I got an appt within a week.

My knees still crack and snap a lot, one leg is very loud, the other silent, but I dont have any pain and 3 physios have said there are no issues

I would first get a decent stretching regime in place once a week, I would also foam roll after every run and stay hydrated through the day

Find a decent physio, they can rule out any major issues and see if there are any muscle imbalances

GPS are ok, but they will just look for the basics and anything serious, mine said "well if your knee hurts cycling - then just dont cycle" . Another GP was really good but didnt have the time to drill down to the issue .

[Craikeybaby]

Fastpedeller said:

Take up cycling - a lot easier on the knees than running, and will stabilise the joints.

I'd normally say that, but after coming off my bike at the weekend I can barely bend my left knee - an old ACL problem flaring up I think...

[anonymous-user]

I have had 3 arthroscopies in my knees over the years and the best thing I have found for keeping them moving properly is walking the dog. We have a Westie, so only a small dog and he stops and sniffs everything we pass, but walking a couple of miles every day, no matter what the weather or how lazy I feel has made such a difference.