knee problem

[ChrisJB]

I was just wondering if anyone on here has experience of knee problems from hillwalking?
A few weeks ago I climbed Helvellyn, mostly without problems, save for the last couple of miles or so, when the back of my left knee, on the left hand side really started to hurt (a kind of burning pain, perhaps my tendon? I'm not good on anatomy!). Anyway, after a couple of days of everyday normal use, the pain gradually subsided. But since then, each time I do a hillwalk, a few miles in, the pain starts again in the same place and is much worse on ascents and descents.
As it isn't an injury as such, I am becoming a bit concerned about it. Someone said it might be a problem with my boots and they may have a point, as I tend to use footwear, that is perhaps too lightweight for walks up Helvellyn and Blencathra, two I have done recently.
Anyone any suggestions?

Regards, Chris

[Ian Gray]

hiya Chris. I can't offer a diagnosis, I'll leave that to the experts (the knee joint is a complicated bit of kit). I can only offer my sympathies, suffered for many years. Declines are the problem for me (and most I think). I use a strapping just below my kneecap, I find this helps alot, a simple bandage does me but you can spend more on supports specially made for the job. For me it's as important as a map and compass. Sorry I can't be of more help.


Ian

[naturelover]

Hi chris,sorry to hear about your knee,it need support,get yourself an elasticated bandage,there is also an elasicated tube that you pull over the affected area,i used to get knee trouble when ever i was pregnant,the extra weight and all that,so i started putting one on mine helped alot.

[Sparrowlegs]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I was just wondering if anyone on here has experience of knee problems from hillwalking?
A few weeks ago I climbed Helvellyn, mostly without problems, save for the last couple of miles or so, when the back of my left knee, on the left hand side really started to hurt (a kind of burning pain, perhaps my tendon? I'm not good on anatomy!). Anyway, after a couple of days of everyday normal use, the pain gradually subsided. But since then, each time I do a hillwalk, a few miles in, the pain starts again in the same place and is much worse on ascents and descents.
As it isn't an injury as such, I am becoming a bit concerned about it. Someone said it might be a problem with my boots and they may have a point, as I tend to use footwear, that is perhaps too lightweight for walks up Helvellyn and Blencathra, two I have done recently.
Anyone any suggestions?

Regards, Chris

I find that strapping or bandaging can only serve to restrict the blood flow. Perhaps you should use Poles (sticks, not the Countrymen) for the last half or so of your trek, especially downhill.

I strongly advise that you get some adequate boots Chris as they are designed to protect your ankles and will put far less strain on your legs as a whole. Ill fitting boots can cause a great deal of problems. Socks are also very important. I suggest you go and see a reputable walking boot supplier before you next venture onto the peaks.

If the injury persists then do go and see your local quack asap.

[Blackbrook Eye]

None of us are getting younger, take your time a bit.

[PMG]

Sorry to hear that Chris - as already said none of us are getting younger! Its probably a combination of things such as boots, socks and maybe the amount - ie sustained climbing or descent that your knee is complaining about?

Boots that fit snuggly and thick socks are a must for a lot of descent, if your toes are touching the fronts then you will automatically alter your step and gait to avoid this and your knee will take this strain.

You could try a specialist neoprene knee protector which gives support without restricting blood flow - other types of bandaging will restrict but might be worth it just for the descent.

I find two poles invaluable now for coming down (not that I go up anywhere much these days!!) but if I had or wanted to then I need the support of poles as both my ankles are weak and one is severely damaged from a road accident years ago.

Pauline

[witham]

Have you tried magnet therapy, you can get knee bands with magnets in and they are supposed to be very beneficial if you buy the correct ones, the cheapo versions are not much use as the magnets aren't strong enough, There are various websites that sell them, Norstar is a good one, they aren't cheap but if you're buying painkillers etc it can soon add up. You can get magnetic pads to put in your shoes which are also said to help, I suffer with shoulder pain and I use a different version and after a while the pain seems to go unless it's all in the mind you can even get dog collars etc for arthritic animals

[coasty]

I have had knee problems over the last few years. I would advise a visit to a Physio, problems like this need proper diagnosis or you may just do further harm, Pain is a warning signal so the use of bandages etc I think will probably do more harm in the long term.

I think you should visit your Doc and get a referral or recomendation in the meantime limit yourself to walks on the level,,,,,

[ChrisJB]

Thank you everyone for your advice. For a start, I think I need some sturdier boots for the kind of walks I do (I'm off into Manchester at weekend, round the outdoor shops). Regarding knee supports, I am rather sceptical of these, as many years ago (as a raw prawn 17 year old), I had a bit of cartilage bother when I walked the Coast to Coast and used them. I became too reliant on them and if anything, it weakened the joint and I had to wean myself off it.
As for not getting any younger, of course you are correct, but as I am only 35, I gain very little comfort from that! .
The pain is certainly a strange one, not like the usual cartilage type pain from steep descents. It feels like some kind of tendon/ligament trouble, which slightly extends into the top of my calf.
If rest and new boots don't help, the docs it shall be. To be exiled from the uplands is upsetting indeed.

Regards, Chris

[galanthus]

Mine's been doing the same thing for the last few months, it also crunches a little when I move it up and down stairs. I used to do a lot of cross-trainering before I ripped my calf muscle and the pain has only been there since the muscle injury recovered. I put it down to compensation by the knee for the injury. As pointed out if your footwear isn't sturdy enough maybe your knee joint is taking up the slack as it were. Hope gets better soon.