patellofemoral pain syndrome not clearing up

[Yellow Fang]

I am not sure what to do about my knee. I think I have the dreaded patellofemoral pain syndrome (runners' knee, chrondromalacia). My step father is a retired GP and he thought it might be either arthritis or chrondromalacia. I've hardly run for several months now, and I haven't done any circuits classes for a couple of months neither. The only exercise I have been doing is cycling or walking. I was hoping a couple of months off running would cure it, but I don't think the knee is totally fixed. Is it worth seeing a GP for this sort of thing? In the past I would have gone straight to a physiotherapist, but I am reluctant to because of the cost.

 

[Baggy]

Your GP will probably refer you to a physio, so I'd say worth going to see them. After faffing around with my knee/physio/etc for months I've been referred to physio by my GP, have to wait 4 weeks, which isn't too bad. Now, as if by magic, it seems to have recovered
At the very least you'll hopefully get a correct diagnosis rather than continuing to wonder what it might be.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I knew I could rely on you Baggy.

 

[Baggy]

Someone will be along any second to disagree with me! Good luck with it anyway, it's frustrating to have something that doesn't quite get better.

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

I have had knee pain behind my patella since September, put off going to the GP until November and had an outpatients appointment within two weeks and an ultrasound and steroid injection two weeks after that. My knee is still sore but not half as bad as it was previously although I've not been out on my bike for a month or so to try and let it rest and let the inflammation settle.

 

[Dave7]

I dont know how old you are and how long/how much you have been running but when I was in my 40s and used to run regularly (up to 12 milers) I developed serious pain towards the sides of my knees. The doctor said it was ligiment trouble and I should pack in running so...........I paid to see a specialist who told me it was ligiment trouble and I should pack in running. He said if was 15 I could rest them and they would heal but at my age---forget it. So I packed in and over many years they have healed to the point where I can lightly jog-I can walk 12 miles and I can cycle 30 miles. Age is a terrible thing.....avoid getting older if you can

 

[Yellow Fang]

I'm in my 40s. I don't think it's ligament trouble. I think it's cartilage trouble of some kind.