Oh my God, I can’t be that person who starts saying “I used to run, but now my knees are bad.”
I’m sure it’s wrong that this was my first thought after hearing the MRI results, but I’m sure my second thoughts weren’t much better. “Shit this is my life. I love running. Running is my job. Shit. Damn. Holy balls.”
Listen according to some British Scientists, swearing is actually a very effective pain-killer, so I will not apologize for my internal outburst.
As a kid I aced tests. I loved taking them because remembering things comes naturally to me.
As an adult, I seem to be flunking them left, right, up and down. Low hormones, low iron, low Vitamin D, high triglycerides, degenerative ACL, missing cartilage, potential DVT, torn meniscus… yeah, I’m real wonder of health for someone who workouts out and choose to eat veggies.
WTF. Sorry needed another pain-killer.
MRI
All right you know the history of my hormones so that’s really just an icing on the cake kind of thing, let’s talk about this MRI.
For the last few months, I’ve been unable to fully extend my leg, which was annoying at first, but not worrisome. Pain however soon started to accompany this which is not surprising, you need to extend your leg to walk, run, etc.
Lot’s of Graston, muscle manipulation and work with a great PT doc, we just couldn’t make any progress. But I had that amazing Malibu running retreat to go to, so I plowed ahead, figured out some KT Tape and went on my way until I got home.
I practiced my new mindful technique for the 30 minutes of laying still in the raucous MRI machine and headed home assuming nothing much would come from it. Within a few hours I had a call that left me befuddled.
MRI RESULTS
Following is a general overview of things and I’ll be diving in to more details in coming posts, as I have heard from SO MANY of you that one or more of these issues have left you sidelined. Once I got past the initial, holy moley, I did what I do best…research!
DVT
The first thing to take care of was a follow up ultrasound due to signs of deep vein thrombosis. I have 0 risk factors, but apparently endurance athletes with a very low resting heart rate might have sluggish blood flow to the legs which could be the cause of this.
DVT is deadly if missed. In essence it’s a blood clot in your leg which can be dislodged by air travel or running, then flow to your lungs, heart or brain. I went in for the above ultrasound immediately and we found no clots, so one thing I’m doing now is more compression socks when using my standing desk.
- Stand frequently on long flights to keep blood from pooling in the legs
- Wear compression socks
- Manage your hydration
- Learn about the risks (especially for endurance athletes who take long flights)
- Understand that swelling and cramping in the calf is a key symptom
Read more on Runner’s World from an athlete who had it >>
Meniscus Tear
Thanks to my time on Dr. Google, I had assumed that a meniscus tear would be found.
The meniscus tear I anticipated due the location of my pain and to my good fortune, I think, it’s not a place where they recommend surgery. Surgery is recommended when there is a flap or when it’s in the interior of the meniscus and won’t get enough blood flow to heal on it’s own.
This is indeed my left knee MRI, so hey any doctor friends feel free to tell me what else is wrong.
More to come on this recovery!
ACL Strain
Not a terribly surprise that whatever I did to twist my knee hard enough to tear my meniscus, also likely strained my ACL. The ACL runs from the back of your knee around to the front of the shin and I’m guessing this injury is what keeps tightening up and keeping me knee in flexion.
Again for me no surgery was recommended, so I’ll be adding new PT exercises to my daily drills. I’ll be sharing these in the next post.
Baker’s Cyst
This was likely caused by the swelling from the tear and the strain, so hopefully it will resolve on it’s own over time. It’s not terribly large, so there’s nothing to try and fix and it shouldn’t be limiting my range of motion.
But hey why not add something else to my list of what’s wrong?
Missing Cartilage – Arthritis
The doctor believes this is the main culprit of my stiffness and extension, whether I agree is another story because it came on so suddenly, I still believe the tear is the key.
Osteoarthritis: “The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes your cartilage to break down and for bone to rub against bone.”
{UPDATE: As this journey wore on it became clear that a lot of that initial information wasn’t really important. I didn’t have a Baker’s Cyst, I had an enlarged vein. Not one ortho thought my ACL was an issue at all.}
1999, as a senior in high school, I had surgery on this knee because of the cartilage. I tend to think nothing has actually changed and comparing my MRI to others there is still a good amount of joint space there…again, I’m not a doctor, just a determined runner.
This is potentially why my knee is so locked up after I sit, that standing makes me look like a 80 year-old, as I clutch my knee and remain bent for the first 5-10 steps. After which the joint seems to warm and I’m on about my business.
Lessons learned here:
- Just because it’s on an MRI doesn’t mean it’s something awful
- Even someone who does PT everyday all ready can step in a hole and get injured
- It’s 100% ok to be frustrated and annoyed with an injury
- Then it’s time to use these mental steps to move on
- Just because I’ll tell you below that I’m still running, doesn’t mean everyone should.
Still Running: My Pain Relief Tips
After visiting the Orthopedic he basically said, hey if the KT tape is working then run.
If it’s super painful, more cross training.
Get on the PT bandwagon and you’ll probably need a knee replacement years down the road.
None of this is caused by running. Arthritis and such happens.
Great, except I don’t accept not knowing WHY.
Getting older isn’t enough of a reason for me, so I’m digging in with more Physical Therapists, research and talking to others who have combated any of these issues.
One of the first things I need to put in practice is reducing inflammation and supporting my joints. Following are some of the key things that studies are showing to work for Osteoarthritis and general injury healing:
- Increase Omega 3’s (but only with a high quality Fish Oil, otherwise you’re creating inflammation!!)
- MSM
- Glucosamine Sulfate
- Improve my Vitamin D which is low (the fish oil above contains some and more time outside)
- High fiber, veggies galore (already on it!)
- Work on range of motion
- Continue working with Chiropractor (alignment and mobility are really important)
- Decrease inflammation with foods (uh oh sugar)
- Remove foods that cause allergic reactions (continues to be eggs and too much dairy – Could try a full elimination diet)
- Continue Tumeric I’ve been using (has helped my dad’s arthritis too), potentially add in Boswellia extract
- Be open to alternative techniques (read my full post on one’s I’ve tested)
- Understanding when to use heat and ice for best results
We too easily accept things as “just how it is”.
There is new research saying arthritis can be turned around with the right program for many people.
There is research saying running is not damaging our joints, it actually lubricates the joints.
There is no one size fits all, so just because you have a bad MRI, doesn’t mean running is over.
Stay tuned for more, but in the mean time…
I’m playing with the KT Tape and for those who asked here’s the method working for me before my run this weekend and update here. Unfortunately, I will say after taking it off I’m usually in some pain because I probably pushed too far when it made things feel good.
Also of note, I like the roll vs the precut strips where I feel like I am always wasting some. And have friends who are swearing by it for their back and shoulder issues too.
Click here for the tape I found to stay on the best! I prefer to put it on once and let it ride for as long as I can!
Let me know if you’ve recovered from any of these?
Let me know if you’ve got other running injuries you’d love help with!
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If IT Band Pain is the cause of your knee issues, which is for many runners, checkout the Ultimate IT Band Solution.
High Fat Diet for Endurance Athletes: Why Keto Is Gaining Traction
Ange // Cowgirl Runs
After a visit to a new physio yesterday, we’re moderately certain I likely have a Baker’s Cyst. Thankfully (I hope) I’ll be able to manage it without any kind of surgical intervention. Right now I’m working on icing and using IMS and PT to calm the area down so I can keep running.
amanda
oh what is IMS?? I’m learning everything I can!! And so glad to hear you don’t need surgery
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
Ummm. I’m not one to be the armchair quarterback but you’ve got a lot going on! I have a Baker’s cyst and that led to my diagnosis of RA. Not saying that’s what you have at all but have you had blood work to rule out any kind of autoimmune thing?
amanda
No worries, we all try to help! The Meniscus, ACL and Cyst are all related to having a trauma like a fall. The cartilage is really the same since I was 18 and yup it’s all effected by having no estrogen for the last 6 or so years :) But there’s plenty I can work on!
AmyC
I have also been on the receiving end of bad MRI news and have been fighting to stay in my running shoes ever since. Past injuries, ACL x2 and MCL surgeries, meniscectomy, and arthritis are my opponents but I’m determined to win!!
amanda
What do you think has helped you the most? Less running? PT moves?
Mikki
The DVT is the scariest of this and life threatening. If you have unexplained shoulder pain get checked out ASAP. I threw a clot to my lung and the ONLY symptom was really out of the blue shoulder pain. My understanding is that you can’t always find the DVT and you still run the risk of it dislodging.
The bakers cyst depending on the size is probably the least of your worries and causing the least pain. I ran despite one through half marathon training and beyond.
Good luck! And for goodness sake do not google things at night…you may never sleep ;)
Susie @ Suzlyfe
My hubs (doctor Alex) has me wear compression on any flights and all long car rides because of my endurance athlete status and also my hormone therapies. DVT is a very real risk for us! I’m glad that they were able to talk to you about it.
The other stuff. oy. But look at me–I got a sacral stress fracture doing everything “right.” Some people are just messes.
Also, you remind me of my dog (my old running buddy)–by the time he was, 12, all the doctors were like HOW IS HE MOVING as he ran 2 miles with me. You’ll be running for years. You’ll find a way!
Jim Leatherby
Hi Amanda,
Here is my story for what it’s worth. I started having knee pain in March 2016 and found imy knee would give out randomly so I’d fall during runs, off the treadmill, and other delightful stuff.
After some online research and working through it I went to a specialist. He did an x-ray and some probing before saying I had a torn ACL. Since I was a runner that was no big deal so keep going.
That didn’t work as I kept falling. I tried another doctor who sent me for an MRI. Torn meniscus. Easy to fix, so let’s do surgery – 6 weeks you are back running.
During the surgery they found the torn meniscus BUT I had no ACL (probably torn years ago) and an object that was rubbing away cartilage. They removed the body and had to scrape away more cartilage to fix things up. Hence they induced arthritis. Lovely. Rather than 6 weeks to start running again, no high impact for months.
Long story shorter…I started with elliptical after recovery. In January I started running again. 1 minute at first, which hurt like hell. Then 1 mile. Then 3. Did a 25km a few weeks back. So it is manageable.
From what I know of you, you are a fighter so I hope you get back to running quickly!
amanda
Gah I”m so sorry you went through that!! I have to admit I’m not terribly surprised any more after the under and over diagnosing I’ve seen. So great to hear though that you are making a come back and with arthritis!!
Deano
I hope your knee feels better today. I once had a double hernia, it set me back months. I was working in a gym at the time and I felt terrible that I should receive such an injury when I should be setting the example. Like you say, it’s just one of those things, I couldn’t really do anything about it! I’m much better now although the operation was quite painful and took ages to heel. I couldn’t lots of activities for months afterwards, swimming was my friend here.
Victor Mariano
Hey Amanda,
Thanks for the post! And I hope you are able to recover and get back to enjoying running.
I have been challenged with my right knee for almost 10 years now. The main issue was/is worn cartilage in one spot near the front inside of the joint, that causes knee pain and instability.
I learned how to manage it, through cross training, diet, and viscous supplementation shots in my knees. Also, switched to trail running about three years ago, which also allowed me to continue doing what I loved.
But about 18 months ago I developed a baker’s cyst (or two) behind my knee that has pretty much nuked my running and hiking ability to a point where I have to be very selective of how far and how often I “run” or “hike”. It never really goes away, just flares up to different degrees. And when it hurts, it HURTS, and I cannot hardly bend my leg at the knee and it even hurts to walk.
For this issue, I have continued with my other proven practices, plus added some dry needling, hot yoga, massage, and swimming. (doctor’s suggestions). But in all my years of running, this has been the most difficult injury to deal with.
The latest MRI has shown continued deterioration of cartilage. So for me running causes inflammation, inflammation causes fluid, fluid causes the baker’s cyst to flare, and then comes the pain and limited range of motion. The knee surgeons I consulted did not recommend surgery. Their position is not to remove the cysts because of the condition of my knee. The inflammation will continue because of the worn down cartilage and that will likely cause another baker’s cyst. They both indicated for me it’s not an easy surgery and will take months of recovery. they also recommended that I do not do a knee replacement at this time. (I am 59 and they feel I should hold out for new technology or treatments)
So I know those words, you started with in your post.
My fitness regimen is now Orangetheory three to four times a week, which allows me to utilize the lower impact spin bike and strider, plus it includes strength training. I do swimming and hot yoga twice a week. My diet and physical condition are spot on but my running is limited. And how I long to have that smooth bouncy stride that I took for granted as a youngster or even a few years ago. I have cut way back on races, and will only do a 25K or 30K at the longest.
Maybe once a week when all conditions are right I get out for a 5-10 mile run/hike.
It’s all a bit frustrating because I retired two years ago, moved to Asheville, NC (blue ridge mountains!) and now I am somewhat limited in being able to enjoy the outdoors.
To stay connected to the running community, I have switched to volunteering and running aid stations, taking pictures and videos of runners at races, and participating with various groups that do trail maintenance activities.
I keep thinking, there has to be a magic bullet, but so far, it has eluded me. But I won’t give up on finding a solution cause it’s the one thing that keeps me going mentally as well as physically.
amanda
I love that you are determined and still finding ways to stay active! Thanks for sharing your story, I think it helps us all better understand options!
Emily
I’m really glad you have a plan to tackle it and that you aren’t really worried about it; you seem to be really matter of fact about it and about continuing to run in a wise way! :) Thanks for coaching us all through all of these issues and challenges that are facing you.
Eddie Canales
Hello Amanda, I wake up early in the morning and used to run. After that I feel intolerable pain in my knee. I get very frustrated. Your blog helps me to get rid of pain. Thanks for sharing such an awesome tips. I would like to read further about this.