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Sir,
For the past 4-5 months I have experienced minor aches
vaguely around my knee which seem to never get better or
worse. Although I can't say there are any times or
activities that elicit pain extending the joint has never
hurt), but the occasional click leads me to believe the
occasional little aches are the slow onset of chrondomalacia.
My activity has been martial arts, and though it is
nothing strenous like running or a jumping sport, I suppose
it still qualifies as weight bearing excercise and can be
the only thing I suppose would have elicited this as I do
nothing else that directly involves the extension of the
knees like squatting, etc. I have read the archive in
chrondomalacia (as well as about every site on
patello-femoral complications) thoroughly and my question is
this: what is the nature of this condition? Most sites say
"for some reason or another" or "exact reasons are still not
understand"--yada yada yada "why the vastus lateralis
becomes stronger/tighter than Vastus Medialis." The only
other explanations are an anteriorly tilted pelvis (which I
have no idea how I could treat). Is it fair to say that the
root of it all is excercising through a bracing? (I've
recently started SR twice a day w/ the spoon trick for added
guidance as well as quad strengthening that does not involve
the knee).
Secondly, I saw you recommended a year or so of rest to
ameliorate this condition and I've decided I probably will
do the same while I'm not experienceing any real pain; why
is it that this works? It's not that I don't believe you--I
do--in fact my girlfriend, for instance, tore her knees up
pretty badly, rested for a year, and now can run pain free.
I understand how rest would allow the articulating cartilage
time to repair, but I don't see how patellar tracking is
restored.
I'm only 20 years old, and although my symptoms have
remained subtle, I want to enjoy activities guilt free and
the classic "bad knee" 25 years from now. Thank you for your
advice and enlightenment!
In Reply to: Dr Stoll, comments on knee integrity and archive in chrondomalacia posted by Jeff C. on February 04, 2001 at 22:11:04:
Hi, Jeff.
If I had what you have ( actually I did have it about 25 years ago--was told by my surgeon I would eventually need plastic patellae implanted) this is what I would do:
First, your SR will likely help after a year or so and might just prevent a recurrance of the problem later in life--by eliminating the bracing that so frequently is a precipitating factor.
Second, Rolfing or Hellerwork would realign your weight bearing surfaces slightly--probably enough to allow healing so long as you do the following.
Third, Learn about Alexander Technique to add to your martial arts practice.
Fourth, Consider taking 750 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate twice a day, MSM and the essential oils mentioned on the homepage. All of these have been known to accelerate healing of joint surfaces--especially as early as your problem sounds.
Finally, you can protect your level of fitness by doing underwater exercises at least 3 times a week. All communities with an indoor pool now offer classes in this valuable rehabilitation process.
By the way, just SR and a whole foods diet resolved MY problem in about a year and I have had no problems with my knees for 20 years. Not everyone would be so lucky. That was long before I knew what I know now. I had been a jogger before that and had to eventualy quit that to finish up the healing.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Dr Stoll, comments on knee integrity and archive in chrondomalacia posted by Walt Stoll on February 06, 2001 at 10:17:29:
Thanks...I tried reading up on what you mentioned in the
archives. How hard is it to find someone who does the deep
massage like rolfing? Alexander Technique sounds
interesting, though it's a little hard to follow by the
description alone. What's the gist of it really: to keep my
neck relaxed, shoulders and head back and spine straight
during physical activites. Thanks for your advice, doctor....
In Reply to: Re: Dr Stoll, comments on knee integrity and archive in chrondomalacia posted by Jeff C. on February 06, 2001 at 14:28:45:
Hi, Jeff,
The glossary is where you find any unfamiliar terms. How to find a certified Rolfer in your are is there & in the archives.
Alexander Technique is available in any lending library. If they don't have a copy of an introductary book at hand they can get you one from their network.
Walt
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