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stayfit65
54 Posts |
 Posted - 08/25/2012 : 10:04:33
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Hi all,
I was originally here posting about my back pain, which is slowly getting better and better. Have gone back to teaching spinning class and running. Have run a 10-miler so far, but I keep noticing that at about 4 miles my knee starts popping and clicking and sometimes hurts. Later in the day it's a little stiff, but doesn't swell (at least I don't SEE swelling). I know Dr. Sarno says that partial meniscus tears can be diagnosed as the problem on an MRI but are not the source of the pain. I guess my dilemma is this--should I get an MRI to see how bad the tear is, and then should I try to keep running if it is small? I know some folks have been through this type of pain, so any of you that have, I would greatly appreciate your sharing. I DO NOT WANT TO QUIT RUNNING!!! |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2012 : 11:23:26
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| I wouldn't get the MRI, I would treat as TMS no matter how bad the tear is. Don't worry about anything structural bc it realy doesn't matter except for something like god forbid cancer. Did you know most insurance companies do not even cover the MRI unless the patient goes through physical therapy? In other words I don't know if it's necessary at this point in someone as young as you to get one. |
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2012 : 17:07:42
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| I have had two knee arthroscopies in my life, and I must say that there was dramatic improvement in my symptoms both times, although the second one at an older age involved a much longer recovery. Then again, if you are able to run ten miles and don't have any swelling, how badly could you really be hurt? Both times I had symptoms that were pretty clearly related to the tear, including swelling and limited range of motion. |
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stayfit65
54 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2012 : 18:46:23
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| Thanks for the replies. It is interesting that the popping and clicking has been there for a few years, but since my back started improving, I noticed the pain now associated with a lot of popping! So, I am thinking it is the brain's new distraction, because I've got to admit, I'm concerned about it, but not enough to quit doing what I love. When I ran the 10 miles, I braced the knee, mostly for a placebo effect. No I have not noticed any swelling, just some very mild stiffness and mild pain, not excruciating. I've continued working on the emotional side, hoping to see it through...I'd sure love to hear of a story from someone who had a minor tear and kept going with their running, and the pain diminished. I'm wanting to sign up for a half marathon in October... |
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mala
Hong Kong
774 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2012 : 22:00:34
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Stayfit. I have recently seen a doc for my neck pain. gave me some medication & said that he would think about an MRI if the pain persisted.
I personally don't want one becoz at my age 54 , it is very likely there will be changes that show up. The very same changes that Sarno believes to be benign . The doctor however will probably plant negative thoughts in my mind which may put more fear in my mind which will just make fighting tms more difficult.
Of course you may want to have one to rule out anything serious for your own peace of mind .
Or maybe monitor the situation a bit longer & see how you feel.
Good luck
Mala
Honestly, I sometimes really get fed up with my subconscious. It's like it's got a mind of its own.
Alexei Sayle
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2012 : 07:23:28
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| Unless you have neurological symptoms indicative of a spinal cord problem, I would be reluctant to get a neck MRI or xrays, because you are right, past 50 it is likely SOMETHING like a small herniation, bone spurs, blah blah will show up. I was set way back looking for a structural/physical explanation of what is "just" muscle pain. Collected several inconsistent diagnoses and treatment plans, it's scary how many people must be misdiagnosed and mistreated. One prominent doctor arrogantly told me that my problem was arthritis, based on some trivial stuff on an old neck x-ray that was in my file. I had to point out to him that the x-ray had been taken years before at a time when I had NO neck pain (it was taken for another purpose). Be careful out there, MDs are trained to think structurally. |
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Cookie
9 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2012 : 12:00:27
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| I have had lower back pain for years that turned into severe sciatica in April. I can relate to the popping and clicking you're experiencing. When I'm walking or sitting normally with no pain, there is no sound. As soon as I go into spasm, my right knee begins to click. The clicking doesn't necessarily hurt, but it is noticeable. Also, if I'm walking and my knee begins to click I know it's time to mentally start preparing because the pain will be following shortly thereafter and I can sometimes stop it right at that point. As a sidenote, I tore my right meniscus twice, and have had arthroscopic surgery both times which fully repaired it. I don't think my past injuries have anything to do with the clicking I'm getting now. |
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wrldtrv
666 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2012 : 12:00:54
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| Stayfit65, I wouldn't assume it is a meniscus tear. The popping could also be a tight IT Band, which is nothing. |
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stayfit65
54 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2013 : 04:41:57
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Update:
I went to the sports doc in July and he did a bunch of provocative tests on my knee and then did xrays. My knees have no arthritis, and he said he didn't think it was meniscus but IT Band. So, off I went to PT. It did get some better, but it still hurts (now on BOTH knees) when I bike and run. How the heck do I run through this pain? Anybody who has dealt with this type of pain, please give me some pointers! I am reading a lot these days and now going to counseling. I am even contemplating changing careers because I think that is the primary fuel to all of this. I want to run a half marathon in November, but frankly I am a little scared now that the pain will get to be too much! Ace, do you have any other tips on how I can manage this pain? Thank you, everyone! |
Edited by - stayfit65 on 09/28/2013 04:43:27 |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2013 : 06:55:02
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Hi sf
You know that your knee pain is just a shift from your back pain right? You cannot beat it by fighting it or just bullying through it. I suggest that when you get the pain that you use it as a signal to try and calm yourself first then proceed with what you intend to do. There are many people who don't know about the tms model that just ignore their pain, but they never get better as a general rule. You may not be able to calm the strain down easily at first, but this is where the practice and perseverance come in. |
Edited by - Ace1 on 09/28/2013 09:33:53 |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2013 : 06:56:20
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| Oh by the way, I would avoid pt, it will just slow your recovery |
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phillyjoe
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2013 : 13:25:20
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| Stayfit: I just got off the table one week ago with a torn meniscus.I had the MRI, saw 3 docs. including Dr. Schubinder here in Michigan who saw my MRI and felt the damage was more physical then TMS and surgery would help. I tried doing the TMS work for 6 months. I had real difficulty with progress. My TMS work has been excellent for back and anxiety issues. Knee was differant. I have minimal pain now, waiting for PT next week and very excited about returning to running (just 5k limit)and being pain free for my basketball officiating season. Good Luck. |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2013 : 19:50:30
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| I really hate to say this and I truly wish that Phillyjoe's knee is healed permanently. I would say though,Philly joe, that you do not know if you had a placebo effect till after even upwards of a year. The truth behind it is in the long run these meniscus tears in general can heal with tms healing. The true healing. It is a difficult process though, but well worth it. |
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stayfit65
54 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2013 : 12:28:44
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| Thank you, Ace and others...I ran Saturday, 10 miles, and I told myself that clicking was normal and did not cause pain. As a result, I had no real pain the entire time...amazing!!! It is so wonderful to have the support of this group. I think now I can press on without doubts...Atlanta Half Marathon, here I come... |
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eric watson
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2013 : 20:02:43
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Congratulations satyfit65 - you did it, 10 miles is awesome
You believed and it came true, this thread is awesome, you did it, Ace1 and others really Helped a lot in this one too
Just simply amazing. |
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Should I get an MRI for my knee
