I completed the Helvetia Half and now I can barely move my left knee. I haven't been able to do excercise since then either. At mile 10 the inner part of my left knee (just to the side below the knee cap) started tightening up on me. So for the last 3 miles, I ran with a limp. I haven't had this happen before, but the Helvetia was the farthest I have ever ran too. I am 27 years old, am 5'5" and weight 128 lbs., oh and I am female. It is still slightly swollen in the inner area just below the knee cap. I have been icing it off and on and taking Aleve. I have also been doing stretches to stretch my inner thighs. It is very frustrating because I can't exercise and I am supposed to be going on a trip this weekend where there will be a lot of walking. Any ideas on when this might heal?

Congratulations on completing the Half!

One thing I've learned is, the severity of the "damage" will determine the length of recovery from such damage. It can be very hard to train and treat at the same time. Especially now that we're up in mileage.

What do you say Doc's?
Doug

Hi there,
Based on the location of knee pain, you most likely flared up your pes anserine tendon and or your MCL. This tendon is a combination of three different tendonous insertions. (Mostly involving the hamstring.) The MCL is a ligament that stabilizes your medial knee. Keep stretching your hamstrings and adductors. Keep icing twenty minutes every hour with a towel barrier. To really speed up healing time seek out Ultrasound and electric stimulation combo to the site of injury.
Yes it is tuff to train/compete and heal at the same time, but people do all the time.
Stop by Sat and have a talk with a doc.
Dr. Jake