*insert my grandpa eskola inherited jowl shake and growl here*
frustration
So. Here's the deal. I probably haven't mentioned here before that I occasionally experience mild discomfort with my knee. More often than not, I take the down steps one at a time. I've never had a problem going up. It's been this way off and on for years, but I never gave it a second thought.
With the four 5K's I ran last year - I didn't have a problem until that last one in the fall. I figured that this one caused problems for a few reasons. 1. I wasn't as in shape as I had been for the other three 2. I really really pushed it and 3. Two lengths were on uphill inclines.
After that last run - I had to walk very carefully and couldn't lift things (like my box of Rice Dream from Costco) and go up a step at the same time.
But then it went back to just the 'normal' mild quirks after about two/three weeks. The quirks that weren't quite quirky enough to get me to the doctor. I AM my father's daughter, and honestly, while I've had quirks for years - it's never been what I would call bad.
Then came this past month when I purchased the Fitbit and found myself to be a bit more competitive than I realized. I signed up to be on a scrapbooking group which tracks how you rank as far as steps/activity and distance and then puts your position and activity up onto a leaderboard. My goal was to stay in the top ten, and during this past week I've been in 2nd place out of 107 members.
My average is just over 6 miles per day and 13,904 steps. I've lost 10 pounds in just under a month.
The reward? Now my knee is bothering me more than ever. While I've never been great going down steps - I've never had a problem going up. Until this week. This week I'm feeling it when I get into the van and drive. It's FINE when I walk or stand, it's only bothersome on inclines and odd movements - like getting into the van sideways. While it usually sounds like gravelly sand paper, now it sounds like sand paper and rocks.
So I called and made an appointment to meet my PCP (but because we've not yet met - that appointment is just under a month away), and it looks like from there I'll be going to an orthopedic surgeon.
For now I have instructions to let up on the walking, but it's okay to bike, and to ice it for 20 minutes 3x a day. I also purchased a knee brace, which I'm not sure is the right size. I measure on the exact number that is the top of one size and the bottom of the next. I bought the smaller one after trying it on in the store, but may go back for the larger one.
Getting older bites.
getting older does bite, but the bike is good "no impact" exercise. keeping the quads strong will help the knee(s).
And an ice pack is just about all frozen peas are good for in my book. ;)
Feel better!
Posted by: Deb Wisker | May 14, 2012 at 01:59 PM
I'm curious, google patellar tendonitis...sounds like Britt's knee.
Posted by: sue | May 14, 2012 at 02:01 PM
I think mine is more in the realm of Chondromalacia
Posted by: Sharyn | May 14, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Chondromalacia is what the my dr. diagnosed me with earlier this year. Sounds quite like what you described (especially the going down stairs part.) Hope you get some relief.
Posted by: terridavenport | May 14, 2012 at 03:57 PM
Oh, that does stink.
Posted by: Mindijo | May 14, 2012 at 05:36 PM
I hope you do NOT need surgery!
Posted by: Ann Bimberg | May 14, 2012 at 06:31 PM
"getting old ain't for sissies" AND i wish you the best. REST.rest. and more rest. doggone!
Posted by: yvonne | May 17, 2012 at 12:10 PM