Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 5/24/2009

Question
Approx 2 years ago I was doing some pointe work practice (centre work not barre) I think they were pose coupes or something similar, anyway I went up onto my right leg enpointe during the exercise and I came down awkwardly and jarred my knee in the process my weight impacted on my knee it felt like it twisted and clicked. Anyway I was in pain for about a month after the most painful being walking up stairs i had to do this very slowly. I went to the doctor who gave me a whole load of anti-inflammatory drugs but I only took them for about a day as I don't like taking lots of painkillers. I didn't do pointe work for about 6 months after. Although now my knee isn't painful anymore, it grinds really badly, for example during plie or any other normal knee bending going up stairs etc.  I am doing my pointe work again now. Any advice how to cure this grinding in my knee as it distracts me from my dancing sometimes.

Answer
Hi Claudia. I recommend that you see a chiropractor if possible. If you have any misalignments of or around your knee, that can be corrected. If you have a condition of bone grinding on bone, an organic whole-food source of glucosamine will help. You can ask your chiropractor about this.

The misalignments in knees can also be because of excess tension in the quads muscle, which will then pull on the kneecap, causing it to remain out of place. A chiropractor will help you with this as well.

All the best! Dianne