Posted on Oct 5, 2016
PFC Jim Wheeler
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While I was in the Army I had issues with knee pain (left knee). I was told it was PFPS, and given ibuprofen/naproxen.

It didn't get better, and I relied on the ibuprofen to take the edge off and continue to PT/train/etc.

After I got out I saw a civilian doc and was told my patella didn't track property, which inflames the joint when I walk/run/etc. He didn't give me anything useful to fix it though, just some basic ideas about muscular imbalances.

I haven't had many issues (outside of soreness and weather change), but I also haven't run much since getting out. I have also had it buckle before going up stairs, or when I was trying Strongman stuff (I know, I know, bad idea).

I'm trying to get back into shape (I'm not overweight, just can't run to save my life) so I want to start running again but need some tips to help keep the knee happy without medication (and preferably without a brace).

Any ideas?
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COL Lee Flemming
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Time off it, physical therapy and stretching got me to 100% again...nothing else worked.
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SSgt Robert Dant
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I am disabled with 2 knees and have been threatened to replace - however a good VA doctor said if I could walk and help the pain - then I should do it.

I exercise - NO RUNNING - has always been hard on knees - gym work and lots of walking on treadmill to stretch leg muscles.

There are several supplements that help that I have used - and the best - even now supported by VA because of German test and that is Tumeric. You can get it over the counter and I take 3 500/day but Germans recommend more.

I also found another supplement more useful but costs more and found just using Tumeric did about the same.

Let me know if it works.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
8 y
Not a fan of any supplements or medications, but that's me. I'm from the school that running is something the coach makes you do when you f*"k up anyhow.
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SGT Writer
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What Tumeric supps would you recommend? I currently use Glucosamine/chondrotin and fish oil.
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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I agree with all of the other commenters and would recommend a low impact aerobic exercise instead of running. Swimming is an excellent cardio workout, stationary bike and stairstepper are probably the next best thing.

If you do run I would recommend trying the Pose method. Basically it's running on the balls of your feet instead of heel striking. It is less impact on the joints and a much more efficient running technique.

https://posemethod.com/running/#!event-list
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1px xxx
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it's not about the landing, the landing is the outcome you want from your direction of pull, cadence and fall... If you just focus on your landing, it may help but will take you months to get used to. I transition people in a few weeks.
I was tempted to bring up Pose because I teach it and brought it into the military and if I had a dollar for everyone I ever took for a run that was amazed at the lack of pain, I'd take us out to diner. I do recommend buying their latest book if you're interested in returning to run. It's a skill. it takes practice. Not everyone will be good at it and therefore not not everyone should do it! However, as mentioned above, cycling and swimming are great too.
PFC Jim Wheeler
PFC Jim Wheeler
8 y
MAJ (Verify To See) - They had started trying to implement the pose running as I was going through ACAP.

I'll look into it and see if it helps, outside of that it seems the low-impact cardio is a winner.

FWIW, I never really had trouble with anything under 3/4-1 mile, it really only started to effect me past that point, and for the rest of the day afterwards.
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1px xxx
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Your FWIW statement is very valuable. It presents a much better clinical picture. You're telling me that your symptoms are not immediate (which gives you good room to work with) but once they come on, they are severe (lasts all day) but they are not dangerous (they go away after rest/sleep). If you want to run, do speed work with total distances not exceeding that magic mile. That gives you 8 x 100m sprints. See if your pain comes on. If it's not, you can do more. Sprinting (or at least running quickly) will improve the way you move by necessity. Incorporating those changes into longer/slower runs if what you need to learn from Pose if you want to run long/slower distances.
You like to to weight lift if I remember your original story correctly. Sprints are a better option for lifters anyway so your body can use the muscles you've been developing.
MAJ Surgical Nurse
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PFC Jim Wheeler - listen to MAJ Charles Blake he is a physical therapist and an expert in these matters.
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