OK, I think my knees are gone

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, Sohan.

I do have kind of a family history of bulk.

Also, I have had thyroid problems in the past, and it was treated with medication, and got better. I went off of it, with no serious problems. However, docs have told me that the problem never goes away.

[Mike Flanagan]

Yeah, I know. I never considered myself "big-boned." I am just big. The funny thing is, when I started to work out more, I didn't seem to lose. And I have been doing more than just lifting weights. I am not really gaining either, but just not losing.

Lose fat & increase muscle volume/density = no weight change. That in itself shouldn't be a problem though. Its alright being 'big boned' if the weight is due to the density of your muscle and bone tissue (bones also increase in density as a result of weight training).

From what you describe of your knees there could be a number of problems, including ligament and/or cartilage damage. But you need to see a doctor (if not more than one) to get a proper diagnosis. It may well be that physiotherapy may help, depending of course on the nature of the problem. It helped me enormously with my knee problems. You may also need to reconsider activities which aggravate the knee problems. High kicks, deep stances and running are all things that can put strain on the knees. That's just one reason why I practice an art that doesn't involve these things. For cardiovascular exercise I use a cross-trainer rather than running - anything that's low impact has got to be an improvement on running.

Whatever the problem, if you are offered an alternative between physiotherapy and surgery, I'd recommend trying the physiotherapy first.

Mike

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, Mike. I definitely don't want surgery. I have also been told that they don't usually do knee replacements before the age of 30 around here.

[baronbvp]

Bushido Man, have you tried swimming? It's great exercise and take the pressure off your joints. You might be able to lose some weight, stay in shape, and not hurt. You could even be first on your block to start underwater karate.

I am 45 and my knees are good, except for going down steep stairs or steel ladders. I take glucosamine and chondroitin and it's great. I saw before you said those don't work, nor did vitamin M (Motrin).

Maybe I shouldn't be taking up full contact KB now. I don't want to sustain an injury after making it this far with good knees on my skinny bird legs.

[bushido_man96]

I would like to do more swimming, but there isn't always a pool available in the winter months here. I may try in the summer, though.

[Akaratechick]

Hi Bushido,

I haven't been on line in a while as computer (Toshiba) had a literal meltdown. I am also fiercely training for 1st Dan, testing in May. Regarding knees, they are tricky. I have had both knees scoped in which they removed the torn meniscus. Meniscus tears are pretty common in Atheletes, and they can be painful, not like an ACL so you can bear it, but after a workout you may have alot of pain and some swelling as well. The tear will also present itself in sharp throbbing pain usually on the inside of the knee and down the cap area. Tears on the outside of the knees aren't as common but they are possible as I had one. If your knees pop,upon extension, not grind but pop, you may have some tears. If you are unable to pursue a diagnosis or don't want to yet, then you need to brace your knees well, really well. Icy Hot makes a really good knee sleeve that you can put under the brace. I use Biofreeze, a cryotherapy mixture that helps pretty well. Take Advil before you work out. You said supplements didn't work, Did you take MSM,Chondroitin, complex? and for how long? Chances are you have some pretty significant wear in your knees and those supplements will help especially with the creaking and grinding. Surgery for tears are very quick recoveries. I was back in about a week hobbling around but it was pretty fast. Mueller makes an awesome brace the Hg90 with no latex or neoprene and it has support over the patella and under. The best knee brace I've ever worn and I've worn alot. One last thing (I'm on a roll today ) watch your pivoting, on side kicks especially, you're probably fine, but sometimes we use improper technique which will tear up the knees. Good luck and I hope you find some relief soon.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for the info, Karatechick.

The pain in my knees is right on the front of them. Sometimes, they do grind a little.

I talked to my GP about them, and they said what they would most likely do is give me steroid shots right into the knee. I cringed when I heard that, and I really don't think I want to experience that, unless they want to tie this boy down!

Therefore, I am not too sure of what my options are at this point.

[baronbvp]

How about a knee massage from a certain St. Pauli Girl?

[bushido_man96]

How about a knee massage from a certain St. Pauli Girl?

[Akaratechick]

Are your knees any better? Have you found out anything else? just wondering about you.