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Knee1.com strives to provide users with as many tools as possible to educate
themselves on their knee problems. In the past, we offered an interactive
"Ask an Expert" feature, but due to an extremely high volume of questions,
we are now seeking to find alternate ways to provide our users with access to the
information they're looking for. In seeking medical advice, we encourage you to use
these resources:
Below are some of the most-recently-answered questions from our Medical Experts. We recommend you read
over these questions as well as search our "Frequently Asked Questions" to
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Question:
I am a healthy physically fit 20 year old male, who after jogging 1.5 miles for the first time in 2 months, I have great pain located at the outside of my right knee. It has been one month now and the pain is the same or worse. It really hurts when walking long distances, walking up or down stairs, or any other physical activity. It does not lock nor do I have any pain when I move it sitting down. Is this a torn LCL or meniscus?
Question submitted by:
kez25@aol.com
| Dr. Golden |
Dr. Golden is an orthopedic surgeon and the author of the "Knee Pain" chapter in the upcoming "Manual of Pain Management". He has presented numerous scientific studies at orthopedic conferences. In addition, Dr. Golden is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS),the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
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Answer:
A torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) usually occurs following a trauma to the knee. Often, patients can pinpoint a specific time when the injury occurred. Meniscal injury, however, can occur without a specific trauma. Repetitive trauma, such as running, may contribute to meniscal injury. It is important to note whether there is swelling in the knee joint. That will help to diagnose if the problem is in the joint or around it. Be sure to see your doctor to have a formal physical exam performed. Tenderness is important to note as well (does it hurt to have the area touched?). Because your pain is getting worse, stop the inciting activity (running) until you have had the knee evaluated. Ice application and non-steroidal anti-inflamatory medications, if you can take them, are reasonable until you see your doctor.
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