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You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Running/Jogging > Jogging & Running > Knee inury
Expert: John DeHart - 10/26/2009
Question
I am a recreational trail runner. I love to run downhill and jump over obstacles etc. I have never had any problems with my knees. While running, I broad jumped over a stream and for some unknown reason, my right leg went rigid and I took all the impact in my knee. I really didn't have much pain and after limping around, was able to run slowly on an even, soft trail for another 2 miles. I had no swelling. Now a week later, my knee feels tight on the inner side, lateral to my patella. I also feel some tightness behind my knee. I have no difficulty going up and down stairs. What concerns me is if I move the wrong way, usually laterally, the knee just gives out. When it happens there is still no pain. What have I injured and what should I do to rehab my knee? I haven't exercised all week and I'm worried my leaping and bounding days are over!! Thanks for your time.
Answer
Hi Meghan
Can't possibly tell you what you injured specifically since you damaged a number of supporting structures,but it does not appear you have done any major damage.It was a lot of trauma to many tendons,ligaments, muscles,disruption of tracking and alignment etc.First your love of leaping and bounding is not over.It could of been,but your muscular skeleton shape must be quite sturdy.I highly recommend you take the next 30 days to cool it,no running and start a rehab program of stationary bike workouts to correct the imbalances of tracking and alignment and rebuild the stability of the surrounding structure.I would spend the next 30 days of gradually working your way back with just easy running no leaps and bounding.You have to to have without question have a great deal of patience and not rush it or you will pay dearly.That i no for sure.This is just the price we athletes pay for from time to time.The rehab is not fun,but it is necessary insurance to strengthen the foundation.Any other questions just give a shout Megan.If you want to call me here in albuquerque to chat about it just go to contact page on web site for number.6am on mt.Add some epson salt baths a couple times a week and add 500mg vit C with 3 meals a day to enhance recovery of tendons,ligaments,colagen.
All the best
John
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