Health&performance

[blue beastie]

Mate i would also consider getting an mri scan on that knee(if you haven't already), hot/swollen flare ups and clunking might point to a deeper issue within the knee and may be a reason why you're constantly protecting that leg, hopefully it is just weakness/tracking problems but I reckon it's worth covering all your options.

 

Cheers IanH

 

I had an MRI a couple of years ago but the results were inconclusive. No bits of cartilidge floating about or anything suspect. They did think it looked like there was scar tissue showing on the big tendon that runs out the top of the kneecap though (if that makes any sense). They also said the clunking was a result of the kneecap not running straight?

 

When the axe connected, my leg was bent underneath me so they think the tendon may have been damaged then too.

 

Make any sense?

[Ian H]

Cheers IanH

 

I had an MRI a couple of years ago but the results were inconclusive. No bits of cartilidge floating about or anything suspect. They did think it looked like there was scar tissue showing on the big tendon that runs out the top of the kneecap though (if that makes any sense). They also said the clunking was a result of the kneecap not running straight?

 

When the axe connected, my leg was bent underneath me so they think the tendon may have been damaged then too.

 

Make any sense?

 

That makes alot of sense and good news re the scan.

 

As Yeti has said lots of friction massage to break down the scar tissue in the tendon.

 

Tracking exercises for the patella should remedy the clunking then you should be able to start strengthening that leg without the current protectiveness.

 

The exercises need to focus on the medial head of the quadricep so things like cycling, leg/thigh extensions focusing on the top 20degrees of the movement(in a gym is good if you have access) or sitting on the side of the bed with leg at 90degrees-raise lower leg until straight lower back down 20degrees-raise until straight and hold for a few seconds then repeat top part of exercise(add ankle weights to increase resistance), seated(on the floor) straight leg lifts where you clench the thigh, lift-pause/hold-relax/lower and repeat, finally partial squats-avoid dropping to low for now,or just google patella tracking exercises there are heaps.

 

Also lots of regular icing on/around the knee

 

Build up slowly but work the muscles until you can feel that lactic burning in your thighs

 

hope that helps, good luck:thumbup:

Edited November 1, 2010 by Ian H
addition

[blue beastie]

Really appreciate the advice on this.

 

It's caused me no end of grief - mental note to self "axes are sharp...."

 

You fellas have given me way more advice than I got during and after the event from GP/hospital & physio combined! Will get cracking with the exercises ASAP.

 

This thread has really spurred me on to start paying more atttention to my health.

 

Thanks again both.

[Ian H]

Really appreciate the advice on this.

 

It's caused me no end of grief - mental note to self "axes are sharp...."

 

You fellas have given me way more advice than I got during and after the event from GP/hospital & physio combined! Will get cracking with the exercises ASAP.

 

This thread has really spurred me on to start paying more atttention to my health.

 

Thanks again both.

 

Happy to help buddy

 

One last thing and i really really hope you don't need to go down this route...

 

BUT if in a couple of months time you're still struggling get back to your gp, insist on a referral to a knee consultant and a keyhole exploratory op, I've treated a couple of guys whose mri's were all clear but when they had an arthroscopy they both needed cartilage trims.

 

Hope it doesn't go down this route tho'

 

again good luck:thumbup:

[Catweazle]

I have a question you might be able to help with.

 

In Summer I moved a lot of firewood by hand, and lifted most of it with my palms downwards and the wood hanging. This caused a sharp pain in my elbows whenever I try to pick up something palm downwards. Palm upwards or sideways I can lift as normal. The pain is worst when my elbow is bent at about 45 degrees.

 

Any ideas on how to help this heal ? It's been months now.

[Ian H]

I have a question you might be able to help with.

 

In Summer I moved a lot of firewood by hand, and lifted most of it with my palms downwards and the wood hanging. This caused a sharp pain in my elbows whenever I try to pick up something palm downwards. Palm upwards or sideways I can lift as normal. The pain is worst when my elbow is bent at about 45 degrees.

 

Any ideas on how to help this heal ? It's been months now.

 

Catweazle that sounds like classic tennis elbow mate assuming it's on the outside of the elbow(golfers elbow on the inside), very common grip related overuse/strain injury.

 

Being the age it is now I would suggest trying some deep tissue massage on forearm muscles,stretching and possible ultrasound/acupuncture on the elbow and if that doesn't work i'd suggest cortisone injections, they're last resort but very effective when done by the right specialist, then you can start with strength work etc.

 

I guess it depends how disabled you are by it, I've had cortisone for tennis elbow and it's cured the problem when no treatment would, but it's not everybodys cup of tea.

 

Hope that helps:thumbup1:

 

Interested what you think Yeti?

[Yeti]

Try icing the painful area twice day bud ten mins a pop.

Is it in the bony part of elbow or more of a muscle/tendon kind of pain.

I had a simar problem,I combatted that by resting the sore arm for good week,then Got a tenni. Elbow support that straps round upper forearm.It helped so much I now use it when I know I've got alot of strenuous forearm work on.

There relativly inexpensive I paid a fiver for mine.

When it heals I'd suggest trying to improve on yor grip strength.Squishing a tennis ball for 20 plus reps 3 times a week should help develop up the forearm and finger muscles and tendons.Also try hand grippers.Most sports stores will stock these in.

Usually this kind of injury is down to either overuse or a muscular imbalance between forearm strength and the biceps I found

[Catweazle]

Some options for me there

 

It's great that you guys take the time to share like this, many thanks.

[Yeti]

no problemo catweazle.

Sadly hurt my back myself recently.had a full trailor load of sleepers to move round the land.twisted slightly and fely a tremendous nip down left side of lower back then it felt like warm tea had been poured down my spine

[spencer]

Hi - just wondered if Yeti might want a little help with all the advice on this post? For far too many years i've been working in the fitness industry as a trainer etc and i'm re-training at the mo to hopefully start working in the arb business.

If you'd like any help with all these questions i'd be happy to offer what i can - don't want to tread on anyones toes though - just thought you might be getting quite a few enquiries:biggrin: