Sore kneecaps/tops of knees

Yes, another runner with a knee complaint.....

Well, I've looked to see if any other forum members have had this problem and have drawn a blank, so therefore started this thread.

Both my knees over the last couple of months have started hurting.  I don't run much, maybe 3 miles, 2 or 3 times a week.  The problem is at the top of my knees and the bottom of my thigh muscles at the front.  Getting up from sitting down is quite painful, as is walking up stairs.  I've not done any running for nearly 2 weeks, and the problem doesn't seem to have gone away - if anything, it's worse.  It actually doesn't hurt to run at all, strangely enough, it's only when I get up from sitting or going upstairs.

I'm only 35, not overweight, so I'm hoping it's not an age-related problem!  I'm going to see what the doctor says tomorrow, but in the meantime - does this ring any bells with anyone?

Thanks!

Hi Biss,

I've got the same problem in my right knee...only started to ache a few days ago. I've been running now for twenty plus years...20 + miles a week without any injury before. I've had aches and pains that have come and gone and not stopped me running. I'm just going to wait and see for another few days before I visit the docs...don't like visiting the docs

Like you I can still run...in fact it is much better if I move about more...sitting at a desk all day doesn't help.

I'm much much older than you and not overweight...if it is an age thing then the doc will probably put me down

I will be interested in the response you get from your GP.

Phil.

Hail Hail

Could be a number of things in both cases - cartilage related, retinaculum (kind of sinewey material around the patella, quad inflammation, etc.  In fact it could even be related to hip problems.

However, I would reccommend that you DO NOT visit your GP unless he/she has a sports background.  I say this having a wife as a GP.  Most GPs are not sports specific, and an appt with them will only waste your (and their) time, and take up an appt that somebody else could take.  Bite the bullet, and book yourself an appt with a good sports physio.  They should be able to give you a good diagnosis, and hopefully a solution.  Hope this helps.

BTW - make sure you cancel the GP appt.  Nothing worse having a waiting room full of patients and people just not turning up. 

Biss wrote (see)

The problem is at the top of my knees and the bottom of my thigh muscles at the front.  Getting up from sitting down is quite painful, as is walking up stairs.  I've not done any running for nearly 2 weeks, and the problem doesn't seem to have gone away - if anything, it's worse.  It actually doesn't hurt to run at all, strangely enough, it's only when I get up from sitting or going upstairs.

There is a great website that you can look at for guidance, but as with all the other suggestions a sports specialist is the way to go.

http://www.physioroom.com/index.php

Thanks all for your responses - they've been really helpful.

 I didn't get to see the GP in the end as they are closed on Wednesday afternoons!  Must be their golf afternoon or something...

 I've had a look at those suggested websites, and started the exercises on them.  Also made a point of not sitting with my knees in one position for too long - like you Phil, I work in an office so don't get up and move about as often as I should.  Pain seems to be subsiding, and it wasn't sore when I went out for a run yesterday.  In fact I'm sure it's eased a bit since the run ( my first run for over 2 weeks).

 If this doesn't cure it, my next step will of course be the physio.

Thanks again,

 Biss