Knee Injury

[Bassetwalker]

For the past 10 weeks, I have been taking Pilates and Yoga classes. I am a 57 yr. old female in good health, but I seem to have injured my right knee. It hurts only when I extend it straight and when I bend it tight to my chest. Otherwise, I can walk, climb stairs and put weight on the knee without too much difficulty. What have I injured? I am trying to avoid exercises that hurt, but I continue to do cardio (brisk walking on treadmill). Should I avoid strength training? Should I use a heating pad on my knee? What kind of injury does this sound like?

[JS858]

Had RK microfracture & LK OATS.  Somewhat able to do things with tolerable pain level.  Started back with the floor pilaties & yoga.  Too much stretching I guess.  I started where you are with similiar discomforts.  Then started to hurt behind the knee and on the lateral side.  Now...I can't stand without both knee fatique and pain, i can't walk without pain.  It has ruined me!  I'm walking with braces and oh boy if i have to go up or down stairs, HELP~! Back to a new OS, more Xray's & 2 MRI's one on each knee.  The OATS failed on the left knee. I have defects in both knees. 2nd OS said too young at 50 for TKR.  Going Monday to 3rd OS for possible injections and PT.  If I can get back to a tolerable level of pain I swear I will never do those demanding moves of yoga and pilaties again.  Be very careful as I didn't think much of the pain when first started.  Hopefully yours will not get worse.

[Bassetwalker]

I am sorry you have had such difficulty with your knees.  My right knee seems to be getting better - I am being very careful with it. I stopped exercising for a week, but I have started back taking my Pilates and yoga classes. If something is uncomfortable, I just pass on it. Hopefully, whatever it is will heal itself.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Unfortunately, it is imposible to make a diagnosis from this simple description.  If your pain is persistant, and does not respond to a short period of rest or activity modification, then I would suggest evaluation by an orthopedist.
At that time, your doctor will take a thorough history, examine your knee and entire lower extremity, and use xrays and MRI if necessary, to formulate a diagnosis.
After a dianosis is reached, then a treatment plan that makes sense for you canbe instituted.