Re: Newbie coming through - have Q's

[Guest guest]

Ok so first attempt an intro didn't go so well

So I'll try again..

But I have a couple of questions, can you help? (probably stupid

questions)

I'm gonna buy some sort of knee braces to see if they'll help when I'm

doing sports, I know there are some suggestions on this partner site

but what works best for you?

Because my knees are misaligned(something like that)it also makes my

hips hurt, does that happen to any of you? Or is that something that

has no relevance to CP at all?

Lastly does the cold affect you or is that just me ?

Sorry to bother you all,

Thankyou,

Kirsty.

>

> Hey! My name is Kirsty, 20. I've had trouble with both my knees since

> I was about 12 (8 years ago now). I went to the Dr. about it 5/6 times

> over that period of time and he pretty much spent each visit

> dismissing it as `growing pains' (This coming from the guy who told me

> I had tonsillitis a week after I had my tonsils out). Eventually he

> did send me to 3 1/2hr Physio sessions but no explanation. But

> finally, after having spent a week in pain with the Army on a college

> trip (my knees started hurting for the first time when cycling too), I

> went to the Dr. again and he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia Pattela

> and gave me an info sheet, painkiller gell (called powergel) and he

> left it at that. I think it's caused in me by misalignment of the

> knees which is fairly noticible now I think of it.

> I started writing this in class when for seemingly for no reason my

> left knee started hurting (why do they do that!? I haven't even done

> anything majorly physical today.) It's just so annoying.

> Now for the main, really annoying, lifeplan changing bit - I'm on a

> uniformed services course, a course for people going into the

> services. My plans to join the RAF have gone pretty much completely

> down the drain now as I'm told I won't get past the medical. Still

> gotta stick with the course though it's worth 3 Alevels. The course is

> quite physical and we have fitness tests and sports coming up again, I

> know not to push myself too far, or when it starts hurting badly; I've

> been doing muscle strengthening exercises for my legs too.

> I'm thinking of getting leg supports/braces for sports, what's worked

> for you guys?

> And do your hips hurt because of CP too? (I think it's just because of

> the misalignment thingy)

> Thanks,

> Kirsty

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Hey! My name is Kirsty, 20. I've had trouble with both my knees

since

> > I was about 12 (8 years ago now). I went to the Dr. about it 5/6

times

> > over that period of time and he pretty much spent each visit

> > dismissing it as `growing pains' (This coming from the guy who told

me

> > I had tonsillitis a week after I had my tonsils out). Eventually he

> > did send me to 3 1/2hr Physio sessions but no explanation. But

> > finally, after having spent a week in pain with the Army on a

college

> > trip (my knees started hurting for the first time when cycling too),

I

> > went to the Dr. again and he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia

Pattela

> > and gave me an info sheet, painkiller gell (called powergel) and he

> > left it at that. I think it's caused in me by misalignment of the

> > knees which is fairly noticible now I think of it.

> > I started writing this in class when for seemingly for no reason my

> > left knee started hurting (why do they do that!? I haven't even done

> > anything majorly physical today.) It's just so annoying.

> > Now for the main, really annoying, lifeplan changing bit - I'm on a

> > uniformed services course, a course for people going into the

> > services. My plans to join the RAF have gone pretty much completely

> > down the drain now as I'm told I won't get past the medical. Still

> > gotta stick with the course though it's worth 3 Alevels. The course

is

> > quite physical and we have fitness tests and sports coming up again,

I

> > know not to push myself too far, or when it starts hurting badly;

I've

> > been doing muscle strengthening exercises for my legs too.

> > I'm thinking of getting leg supports/braces for sports, what's

worked

> > for you guys?

> > And do your hips hurt because of CP too? (I think it's just because

of

> > the misalignment thingy)

> > Thanks,

> > Kirsty

>

[Guest guest]

Amazingly, generaic Cho-Pats worked as well as anything for me.

>

> Because my knees are misaligned(something like that)it also makes

my

> hips hurt, does that happen to any of you? Or is that something

that

> has no relevance to CP at all?

My tensor fascia lata (fascia connecting my hip to my knee) became

very painful over the last few years. I blame it on unusual

movements and strain I do to try and get up out of a chair without

putting strain on my knees. My PT has helped alleviate much of that

pain by proper stretches and manipulation. I have also had problems

with my shoulders.

>

> Lastly does the cold affect you or is that just me ?

Cold, but especially weather fronts coming in creates pain for me

that drives me nuts .

Mike

MT

[Guest guest]

Kirsty

I realy doubt at 20 years old u have chondromalacia. The only way a

doctor can diagnose chondromalacia with certainty is with an MRI. U

probably have patellafemoral syndrome. If that is the case the best

quick fix for you would be to purchase a pair of foot orthotics.

Usually when a person complains about both hip and knee pain the

best place to start is the feet!!!!!!!!!!

>

> Hey! My name is Kirsty, 20. I've had trouble with both my knees

since

> I was about 12 (8 years ago now). I went to the Dr. about it 5/6

times

> over that period of time and he pretty much spent each visit

> dismissing it as `growing pains' (This coming from the guy who

told me

> I had tonsillitis a week after I had my tonsils out). Eventually he

> did send me to 3 1/2hr Physio sessions but no explanation. But

> finally, after having spent a week in pain with the Army on a

college

> trip (my knees started hurting for the first time when cycling

too), I

> went to the Dr. again and he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia

Pattela

> and gave me an info sheet, painkiller gell (called powergel) and he

> left it at that. I think it's caused in me by misalignment of the

> knees which is fairly noticible now I think of it.

> I started writing this in class when for seemingly for no reason my

> left knee started hurting (why do they do that!? I haven't even

done

> anything majorly physical today.) It's just so annoying.

> Now for the main, really annoying, lifeplan changing bit - I'm on a

> uniformed services course, a course for people going into the

> services. My plans to join the RAF have gone pretty much completely

> down the drain now as I'm told I won't get past the medical. Still

> gotta stick with the course though it's worth 3 Alevels. The

course is

> quite physical and we have fitness tests and sports coming up

again, I

> know not to push myself too far, or when it starts hurting badly;

I've

> been doing muscle strengthening exercises for my legs too.

> I'm thinking of getting leg supports/braces for sports, what's

worked

> for you guys?

> And do your hips hurt because of CP too? (I think it's just

because of

> the misalignment thingy)

> Thanks,

> Kirsty

>

> ^ Wow think I needed to vent ^

> I'm really glad I found these 2 sites I've learnt more from them

than

> I did my Dr.

>

[Guest guest]

Kirsty

Im 46 six years old and came down with Chondro about two years ago.

I started working out with heavy weights when i was 16. I did heavy

squats 3 times a week with at least 300 pounds for almost 30 years.

The only people I know who have chondro are people who have worked

at gyms for many years, Serious Bikers and old fat ladies.

Most of the people here are over 40 years old and its a disgrace for

these people to convince a young gal like u that u have chondro.

Here are my suggestions for you

1. If your overweight go on a diet.

2. Get checked for Scoliosis. This is probably the number one

reason why young girls have problems with their knees. A curve in

your back can throw off your alignment. Usually in your early

twenties these problems start showing up. Make sure the the

chiropractor or doctor checks your leg length. When u went to visit

your doctor did he do this??? I doubt it!! Most doctors dont want

to wast their time. They'd rather give u a prescription and send u

on your way.

3. Get a pair of orthotics. Especially if a doctor or chiropractor

diagnosis u with scoliosis.

4. The most important thing. Find yourself a good Motion Control

Athletic Shoe. Lots of young women scimp by buying cheap shoes. A

good motion control shoe should cost around 90 dollars. Look at

brands from New Balance and Saucony. This suggestion might be a

quick fix.

5. Physical Therapy. A therapist can give you a specific routine to

help strengthen and stretch specific muscles to alleviate your

problems. Usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to take affect.

6 Try Yoga. Women love yoga. Find a friend with similar interest.

7. Eat healthy foods. Stay away from burgers, pizza and shakes.

Try eating living foods like raw vegetables and salads. U might

want to make sure your getting sufficient amino acids because they

help in repairing tissues and decrease tendonitis.

Remember!! You're only 20 years old and at your age the human body

has a tremendous ability to heal itself. I have found you'll get

alot better care by goin to alternative health professionals such as

Chiropractors, Podiatrists and some Osteopaths than MDs.

Take Care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>

> Hey! My name is Kirsty, 20. I've had trouble with both my knees

since

> I was about 12 (8 years ago now). I went to the Dr. about it 5/6

times

> over that period of time and he pretty much spent each visit

> dismissing it as `growing pains' (This coming from the guy who

told me

> I had tonsillitis a week after I had my tonsils out). Eventually he

> did send me to 3 1/2hr Physio sessions but no explanation. But

> finally, after having spent a week in pain with the Army on a

college

> trip (my knees started hurting for the first time when cycling

too), I

> went to the Dr. again and he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia

Pattela

> and gave me an info sheet, painkiller gell (called powergel) and he

> left it at that. I think it's caused in me by misalignment of the

> knees which is fairly noticible now I think of it.

> I started writing this in class when for seemingly for no reason my

> left knee started hurting (why do they do that!? I haven't even

done

> anything majorly physical today.) It's just so annoying.

> Now for the main, really annoying, lifeplan changing bit - I'm on a

> uniformed services course, a course for people going into the

> services. My plans to join the RAF have gone pretty much completely

> down the drain now as I'm told I won't get past the medical. Still

> gotta stick with the course though it's worth 3 Alevels. The

course is

> quite physical and we have fitness tests and sports coming up

again, I

> know not to push myself too far, or when it starts hurting badly;

I've

> been doing muscle strengthening exercises for my legs too.

> I'm thinking of getting leg supports/braces for sports, what's

worked

> for you guys?

> And do your hips hurt because of CP too? (I think it's just

because of

> the misalignment thingy)

> Thanks,

> Kirsty

>

> ^ Wow think I needed to vent ^

> I'm really glad I found these 2 sites I've learnt more from them

than

> I did my Dr.

>

[Guest guest]

> Kirsty

>

> I realy doubt at 20 years old u have chondromalacia. The only way a

> doctor can diagnose chondromalacia with certainty is with an MRI. U

> probably have patellafemoral syndrome. If that is the case the best

> quick fix for you would be to purchase a pair of foot orthotics.

> Usually when a person complains about both hip and knee pain the

> best place to start is the feet!!!!!!!!!!

>

Hi,

I'm only 22 and I have chondro! Just developed it two months ago. I

haven't gotten any better. Most days I can't even walk. It happened

when I took a class at the gym and did lunges wayyyyyy too tast. It

was so fast that on my way down each time, it was not a controlled

movement. I would " fall " down each time. I was just following the

teacher!

-Hedy

[Guest guest]

Kirsty; I have been following your message and the gang's responses....

What do you call pain? Can you describe it in words - i.e., the actual

sensation - is it like an electric shock - is it like a dull ache - is

it like a muscle locking - is it a spasm of the nerves OR muscles - is

it like a cold burn - is it like hypersensitive skin - can you kneel

on your knee if so what happens then?

Just describe it as best you can - go deep and spell it out!!!

Mark

> >

> > Hey! My name is Kirsty, 20. I've had trouble with both my knees

> since

> > I was about 12 (8 years ago now). I went to the Dr. about it 5/6

> times

> > over that period of time and he pretty much spent each visit

> > dismissing it as `growing pains' (This coming from the guy who

> told me

> > I had tonsillitis a week after I had my tonsils out). Eventually he

> > did send me to 3 1/2hr Physio sessions but no explanation. But

> > finally, after having spent a week in pain with the Army on a

> college

> > trip (my knees started hurting for the first time when cycling

> too), I

> > went to the Dr. again and he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia

> Pattela

> > and gave me an info sheet, painkiller gell (called powergel) and he

> > left it at that. I think it's caused in me by misalignment of the

> > knees which is fairly noticible now I think of it.

> > I started writing this in class when for seemingly for no reason my

> > left knee started hurting (why do they do that!? I haven't even

> done

> > anything majorly physical today.) It's just so annoying.

> > Now for the main, really annoying, lifeplan changing bit - I'm on a

> > uniformed services course, a course for people going into the

> > services. My plans to join the RAF have gone pretty much completely

> > down the drain now as I'm told I won't get past the medical. Still

> > gotta stick with the course though it's worth 3 Alevels. The

> course is

> > quite physical and we have fitness tests and sports coming up

> again, I

> > know not to push myself too far, or when it starts hurting badly;

> I've

> > been doing muscle strengthening exercises for my legs too.

> > I'm thinking of getting leg supports/braces for sports, what's

> worked

> > for you guys?

> > And do your hips hurt because of CP too? (I think it's just

> because of

> > the misalignment thingy)

> > Thanks,

> > Kirsty

> >

> > ^ Wow think I needed to vent ^

> > I'm really glad I found these 2 sites I've learnt more from them

> than

> > I did my Dr.

> >

>

>

>

>

> Send instant messages to your online friends

http://uk.messenger.

>

>

[Guest guest]

OK: you are well advanced ... very strange that you have it " equally "

in both knee's..!!!... and at such a young age...!!! unfortunately

next stage for you is sharp pain and sleepless nights!! Management is

important NOW!!! Over exertion and you will end up like the rest of

us!!!

I don't recall you saying you were taking glucomsamine etc,.. to see

if you can " rejuvenate " your cartilage but I would be doing that ...

a lot of us on this site have not had a lot of success with the

cartilage supp's mainly because we are too old (not in spirit) and

did I see you were checking out orthotics to get your hip/ knee/

ankle alignment under control ... very important if you believe this

was the main contributing cause??

Just out of interest ... have you noticed any " bunion " type growths

starting near your knee area (below the knee cap) or even directly

behind the knee or down your shins anywhere???

Can you kneel on your knees?? (good litmus test for CP)

If you haven't followed my story (carticel implant at 48) I have been

very lucky as technology has caught up and I was identified as a

suitable candidate to repair the large hole in the back of my knee

cap (see our group's photo's / files section) BUT it has been a six

month commitment... another member of this group is going through

this procedure very shortly as well...!!!

You need to avoid this sort of surgery at your age by managing

your " discomfort " and staying mobile without further tearing /

shredding of your cartilage surface..!!!

Trust me by pushing through the pain you will go backwards very

quickly with this condition..and end up potentially into the sharp

pain end of the scale like many of us here get - nothing like a good

mixture of all day and all night dull ache with a few good sharp

bites to keep you awake at night..!!

lack of sleep is a side condition of CP that changes with the colder

weather as well (or high and low pressure changes)

Does this help a bit...???

Mark

>

> Hello Mark,

> Ok, I'm not good at describing pain though. When I'm walking or

doing sports it starts as an ache that gets worse as I go on but

feels a bit better is I take the weight of my knee for a while, till

I put the weight on it again. If I bend my leg (stretch by standing

on one leg and holding the ankle)

> it feels a bit better too, I think because I'm taking the pressure

off my knee, but when I do that it makes my knee does a mildly-

amusing-but-probably-not-at-all-good crunching thing. I can also feel

the patella move awkwardly (moving roughly) if I put my hand on my

knee when I'm cycling, the pain feels slightly sharper I think. When

I'm driving and I stop and get out my knee is stiff and aches a bit

from not moving. Last one...sometimes when I'm sitting especially

more recently I get a quick sharp pain and I don't know why.

> I seem to be tripping over my own knee now too, my leg keeps moving

but the knee's locked- not really a pain I know.

> Hows that^ like I said not good at describing, though thanks for

asking me as I think I'll print this off for when I go to the Dr,

It'll save me the stuttering. And I again I wrote a lot, sorry.

> Kirsty

>

> Re: Newbie coming through -

have Q's

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Kirsty; I have been following your message and the

gang's responses... .

>

>

>

> What do you call pain? Can you describe it in words - i.e., the

actual

>

> sensation - is it like an electric shock - is it like a dull ache -

is

>

> it like a muscle locking - is it a spasm of the nerves OR muscles -

is

>

> it like a cold burn - is it like hypersensitive skin - can you kneel

>

> on your knee if so what happens then?

>

> Just describe it as best you can - go deep and spell it out!!!

>

> Mark

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Send instant messages to your online friends

http://uk.messenger.

>

>

[Guest guest]

i'm also 20 and was diagnosed with chondromalacia almost 4 years ago.

i've had orthotics for 8 months now and haven't noticed a difference

in my knees, though the doctors thought it would help, but i think

they were a good investment for overall alignment of the body. i guess

some knees are just build funny

-meg

> >

> > Hey! My name is Kirsty, 20. I've had trouble with both my knees

> since

> > I was about 12 (8 years ago now). I went to the Dr. about it 5/6

> times

> > over that period of time and he pretty much spent each visit

> > dismissing it as `growing pains' (This coming from the guy who

> told me

> > I had tonsillitis a week after I had my tonsils out). Eventually he

> > did send me to 3 1/2hr Physio sessions but no explanation. But

> > finally, after having spent a week in pain with the Army on a

> college

> > trip (my knees started hurting for the first time when cycling

> too), I

> > went to the Dr. again and he diagnosed me with Chondromalacia

> Pattela

> > and gave me an info sheet, painkiller gell (called powergel) and he

> > left it at that. I think it's caused in me by misalignment of the

> > knees which is fairly noticible now I think of it.

> > I started writing this in class when for seemingly for no reason my

> > left knee started hurting (why do they do that!? I haven't even

> done

> > anything majorly physical today.) It's just so annoying.

> > Now for the main, really annoying, lifeplan changing bit - I'm on a

> > uniformed services course, a course for people going into the

> > services. My plans to join the RAF have gone pretty much completely

> > down the drain now as I'm told I won't get past the medical. Still

> > gotta stick with the course though it's worth 3 Alevels. The

> course is

> > quite physical and we have fitness tests and sports coming up

> again, I

> > know not to push myself too far, or when it starts hurting badly;

> I've

> > been doing muscle strengthening exercises for my legs too.

> > I'm thinking of getting leg supports/braces for sports, what's

> worked

> > for you guys?

> > And do your hips hurt because of CP too? (I think it's just

> because of

> > the misalignment thingy)

> > Thanks,

> > Kirsty

> >

> > ^ Wow think I needed to vent ^

> > I'm really glad I found these 2 sites I've learnt more from them

> than

> > I did my Dr.

> >

>