I am 41 and have been running and doing tri’s most of my life. I ran a marathon this spring and was training heavy for the Ford Ironman in Louisville Ketucky in Aug. (3rd week in Aug). I have run many 1/2 ironman distances in the past 2 years and was ready for my 1st full ironman. 2 weeks ago, I went to Vail Co on vacation and was ready to do some high intesity LSD runs. I went for a 6 hour bike followed by a 30min run, felt great. Next day went on a easy 1hr trail run and after the run my knee just kind of locked up a bit and when I went to straighten it a sharp pain in my left lateral knee occured. It literally hurt so bad I could not bare wt on it. The pain lessen in 24 hours but still bad and could not bike or run. Went to see a Ortho/sports MD and got a MRI. He said I have meniscal inflammation w/ a possible flap or tear. Stop running and see him in a couple weeks. When the swelling goes down he will be able to rule out a tear or flap. It has been two weeks, my knee is really starting to felt good again. I been riding my trainer 30-45 min a day this week and I feel great. QUESTION; Help me out on a good rehab program. Can I start back doing longer rides. (ps while riding I feel strong, but afterwards, my knee hurts slightly for a few hours, then goes away)(two weeks ago I could not even think about biking, it hurt too much) Should I try running again. Is there any hope in me racing that ironman in the end of august? And if I can, would the lay off be too much and then the risk of injury too great because of improper training…?It would be great to hear for someone who has had this or maybe an OrthoMD who is into racing and slowtwitch. Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks in advance for the great input!! I love this website.
I would generally say you are fine. Because you mentioned that…the pain is getting better. I have a meniscus tear in my right knee. It hurt at first, but now it rarely hurts. It does feel different, though. The doctor told me that after knee injuries of any sort, your knee will never feel the same again. He decided not to do surgery because he said it may or may not help my knee pain. The meniscus is I believe a piece of cartilage that surrounds the whole knee. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong. It typically gets shaved (arthroscopically) when it tears or flaps.
To me, it sounds like you may have had a potential tear. As much as you run, I am almost sure you have torn it to some degree. I think it is very difficult for any runner to NOT have meniscal damage. It sounds like you are adapting to the injury just fine and you should be able to resume your normal training.
Thanks, what about rehab exercises. Would it be crazy to push it and do the ironman. I feel better everyday but I have not even tried to run not to meation long distances. I mean 10 days ago I could barely walk it hurt so bad. I am lucky I am recovering this quick but am I really ready or am I kidding myself? I am concerned because I much rather recover properly than push it and never compete again.