Solved 'my' knee problem

[episodic]

Well it has been a month. I was diagnosed with chondromalacia (runner's knee) - and the doc was even talking arthroscopy, etc.
I bought a cho-pat double knee brace (a 'double' jumper's strap). It goes above and below my patella.
It worked so well, I bought another for my other knee (that was having slight issues).

3 weeks later - my mileage has steadily increased. I've done a 10 mile race, and I did a 10.5 mile long run today. Upon extension my knees don't even 'grind' anymore. I finished November with over 100 miles ran.

So my theory is that I have/had a tracking issue and that these braces align my patella correctly and that has calmed down the inflamation. I feel great after runs now. I plan to keep wearing them. They really don't impede my running.

I'm continuing hip strengthening exercises, heel drops, squats, and lunges every other day in circuits along with planks, etc.

 

[marmasatt]

Good to hear. I actually wear mine around walking throughout the day when I am getting a sore knee. I'm actually a believer in these things as it tends to go away after a few days of this along with limiting activity for a day or two.

Link to your strap?

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Braces I have don't work nearly as well : ( but it's good they're working good for you.

 

[episodic]

Hi, here is the strap I'm using for marmasatt that asked:

http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Action...ual+knee+strap

 

[alkemyst]

If you got improvement with a brace when your doc was sending you to surgery, quickly find a new doctor.

 

[episodic]

If you got improvement with a brace when your doc was sending you to surgery, quickly find a new doctor.

I have no doubt that my knee still probably is still a little messed up. It feels weird after runs sometimes still. When I do speed work (which I guess I should quit doing) - it feels gravelly for a day or two (inflamation). I have a dream of doing a sub 20 minute 5k. I'm 'soooo' close. Also, I want to marathon in 3 hrs and something (it could be 3hrs 59minutes and I'd be happy). My personal theory is over dominant quads from tons of bicycling, then a sudden switch over 7 months to running and now marathon training. I'm working hard to incorporate reverse lunges, squats, clams, planks, negative calf drops, and leg raises to strengthen my core. I do almost 100 of each of those a day now (built up over the last 2 months). I spent 10-12 years of my life weighing over 300lbs - that is what did the damage.