Knees Stopping Me From Starting

Discussion in 'Injuries and Prevention' started by JHL, Nov 29, 2015.

  1. JHL

    JHL New Member

    Hello, im new to the forum and im sorry if this question as already been asked. I couldnt find an answer myself using the search function.

    Here goes. Im a 26 male and as a kid to my late teens i trained in Sankukai and Kickboxing (not at the same time). I was forced to stop at 18 as i found my Engineering Apprenticeship took up too much time to continue training. Ive been eager on and off for a while to return to some form of Martial Art (more likely Martial Sport considering where i live) but i have a few concerns.

    Primarly im worried about my knees. I cant recall how long my knees have been an issue but sometimes they get really stiff and i can crack them every 10 minutes or so. If i've been crouched down for a while its difficult to push myself up. I know i'm getting older but i'm not that old.

    I can only assume that the hours of kicking the air, the snap for the power has damaged them. If i return to an art such as kickboxing will they get worse? Can i repair my knees and maintain good knee health. If so how?

    Several joints click but my knees are the worst. My right foot, my right shoulder.

    Any help or advice would be great as im sure hundreds if not thousands of years of knowledge have collected here.

    I thank you in advance for any help that may come my way.
     
  2. GoldShifter

    GoldShifter The MachineGun Roundhouse

    I would consult a doctor about that. My knees are the same, actually they're a bit better. If could have been the countless hours of kicking the air. I mean I did the same. I also did some XMA (tricking) and in my ignorance on the landing, landed straight legged a couple times. That damaged my knees like no other. Consult a doctor though, it could be an underlying problem you had no idea about.
     
  3. JHL

    JHL New Member

    Hi, thank you for the reply, sounds very similar. Im tempted to but im afraid theyll tell me not to start. Ive found the National Health Service to be very dismissive. Did you see a doctor? Did you do anythng to make them better?

    Its not just training though. Its running as well as im sure your aware.

    Glucosmine has been suggested in the past but ive never known anyone personally whos seen results.
     
  4. Dead_pool

    Dead_pool Spes mea in nihil Deus MAP 2017 Moi Award

    See a gp if its troubling you at work, or go and see a physio privately if its only about training, if there's no underlying conditions its likily your either too weak, or too tight.

    Go get it seen to.
     
  5. GoldShifter

    GoldShifter The MachineGun Roundhouse

    I personally didn't go see a doctor because it was bearable for me. It stopped hurting after a while. If it is running too, then check your running form as well as possibly getting properly fitting running shoes. You'd surprised how much of a shock your knees get with running shoes that don't have a sole anymore. Also try running on grass rather than concrete or machines if you can help it. Grass and dirt absorb more of the impact whereas concrete and other solid/hard surfaces just bring it up to your knee.
     
  6. Mushroom

    Mushroom De-powered to come back better than before.

    See a Dr, if there is one near to you or available to you. Go have a look.

    I talk about my knee a lot. I tore the ACL/PCL and MCL and my meniscus is most likely damaged. It's very loose and like you, clicks and pops now and again.
    I had to change my entire fighting style throughout all training styles. But I'm still training and competing, it's frustrating as I feel like I can't give my full 100% effort at times as its a nagging doubt in the back of my head, but I am learning to go past that.
     
  7. Karatebadger

    Karatebadger Valued Member

    My knees are pretty bad after years of mountain sports abuse but it isn't the end of the world. See your GP to make sure there isn't some underlying injury or condition that could be aggravated. Most GPs are very supportive in my experience, they don't want to see you too often. If that is ok then maybe look for something that suits your abilities for a while until you get a bit of confidence. I had to stop training in Shotokan because of the deep stances and stamping around but the less severe leg training in Wado Ryu suits me fine. As I build up the muscles around the joints I find I am relying less and less upon neoprene supports to get me through a training session, carrying less timber around is helping enormously as well (although that probably won't apply to you if you are a regular runner). Any teacher worth training with should be able to make allowances for injuries or tell you whether you are likely to have problems in the future so talk to some people and don't let niggly knees put you off unless your GP says so.
     
  8. JHL

    JHL New Member

    Thank you so much for all you comments and advice. Ill go and see my GP and see whats said. As a temporary "fix" would a neoprene knee support help? At least prevent any possible issues? Im planning on self training for abit first you see? My flexibility has gone to pot and fitness is diabolical.
     
  9. Dead_pool

    Dead_pool Spes mea in nihil Deus MAP 2017 Moi Award

    not really, supports just keep your knee warm, and remind you and others that its injured.

    if your inflexable, stretch youtube has lots of yoga videos to work from, swimming is very gentle cardio for the knees.
     
  10. Theidiot

    Theidiot New Member

    If it's not too bad, I'd train. Don't ignore pain though.

    As for kicking air, just don't be silly about it (like I was). When you bust yourself and have to sit out for a few months, but your wife and kids still train, you get to watch a lot, and think about lot.

    That's when you realise that some people are barely putting any power in, but are kicking just as fast and often with better form. Those that are really going all guns blazing are soaked in sweat, often not kicking as fast as the relaxed folks even if they think they are, and are more likely to be the ones that occasionally sit out with you.

    Another thing you notice is that the relaxed folks actually look cooler. When you're doing kick drill and you're really getting into the part, you think you look like jacky chan. You probably don't. More likely you just look like someone about to drop down and already conveniently dressed in white linen.

    So my advice is train if you want to and can, but train smart.
     
  11. AussieGirl

    AussieGirl Valued Member

    I'm a relative newbie to martial arts, but an old hat at bad knees.

    Glucosamine supplements daily has helped somewhat.
    I also try to avoid rotating jumping kicks where I might land in a compromised leg position.

    I've learnt to always always ALWAYS have my knee bent in the same direction as (and directly over) my toes. Any deviation from that will be days of pain.
     
  12. Giovanni

    Giovanni Well-Known Member Supporter

    have you seen a specialist? orthopaedic person is what i'm thinking. your normal doctor sure may be able to give you some advice. but i think it's better to always go to the specialist if you can.
     

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