HikeArizona.COM

To all,
SandeJ's post on the "out of shape hikers" thread prompted me to post this. I'm hoping someone here (SandeJ?) can give me some info.
A couple of weeks ago I made a backpack trip involving a very heavy pack and a very steep mountain. I only hike on weekends, but I didn't do trip this cold - I've been doing a lot of very steep bushwhacking for months. Anyway, I was almost back down to the TH, in fact coming down Cardiac Hill (the first 1/4 mile of Bluff Spring Trail) when I felt a very faint pop in my knee. Now, two weeks later, my kneecap is doing a lot of popping and snapping, and it gets sore easily.

What did I do? Should I get it x-rayed, apply ice, apply heat, stay off it, or what?
Maybe I should change my avatar to "whining gun-toting kokopelli".

Wiz, since you are 102 years old I would say this is normal. The knees are one of the first things to go.

Seek medical attention. I injured a knee several years ago and they started off with drug and physical therapy. After three months, no relief. An x-ray was inconclusive. I requested a MRI (some thing they did not want to do) and after obtaining a MRI, they noted a torn meniscus in my knee. I had surgery to repair. No problems since. I also incorporate stretching as part of my workout routine and including stretching before leaving the trailhead.

If you're still hiking at 102 you should consider yourself lucky!

The doctor will tell you to do RICE for 2 weeks before they will do anything. Rest, ICe, and Elevation. It sucks, but make a effort to stay off of it as much as possible. In the evening, prop it up on some pillows and plop a bag of ice on it for 10-15 minutes at a time. If it doesn't get better, go to the doctor.
I did the same thing a few years ago while finishing a rim to river to rim day trip. I did per above for two weeks and haven't had a problem since.

good luck

Boynhisdog,
That's no help, you whippersnapper!

Nighthiker,
Surgery! Gaah!

Daryl,
I like your answer best, I'm going to do that.

Stay tuned everyone for the further adventures of Wiz's popping knee!

An additive to the rice advice is ibuprofen 800mg three times daily with food for three days. This isn't for pain relief, rather to reduce swelling. Sometimes when a joint becomes swollen it causes the connective tissue to slide off the bone in alternative places. Thus pops. :roll:

Wiz: Many people forget the E in RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. You should definately use a NSAID, such as naproxyn (Aleve) 500mg every 12 hours or ibuprofen, 800mg x3 day and stay on it for 3-4 days. Daypro may be better than either but is a Rx unless you already have some in your medical kit. The elevation helps increase circulation to lower extremities. Try sleeping with that lower leg elevated about 6" on a pillow or a medium sized dog that doesn't kick.

A knee brace may help. I prefer the "spenco" type that are stretchy foam based rather than the cloth elastic ones which bunch up behind the knee. Analgesic topical creams may provide some relief as will B&B on ice, about 200ml PRN. (You knee will still hurt but you won't care....)

If it still bothers you in 10 days, a visit to an orthopedic specialist is in order. BTW, my vote is for Angelo Mattalino, MD at Scottsdale Healthcare/Shea, an outstanding knee/soft tissue guy. Those things are all "scope" jobs now. Best wishes. -Randy

Thank you all for the quick response. I value advice highly when it comes from people who have been through the same thing. I'll be spending the weekend with the ice, dog (actually big fat cat), brace, and Gentleman Jack.

Sounds like a plan Wiz, but be careful with the Jack. It works well suspended in a bladder above the couch with the mouthpiece in handy reach. (This technique also works well in a nice place like Anita Park in the Chiricahuas, above your hammock) Be careful getting up though....The knee can be further stressed in an urgent rush to embrace the Porcelain Goddess..... :roll: -Randy

Shy,

Now that you mention it, I think I did ibuprofen when I had my bum knee too.

I strongly recommend the Ibuprofen, but 800mg is the prescription dose of Motrin (Ibuprofen) so be sure to take it with food and NOT with alcohol. Can really mess with your stomach otherwise and can mess with your stomach anyway.

Wiz, Now that your 21 you should heal quickly! I agree with the RICE method, it's common sense. But I follow a pretty naturopathic form of medicine and just think the motrin has too many side effects. There are natural alternatives. In 1984 I tore my knee up pretty bad skiing. I still to this day have problems with it when I am training for a run 10 miles or more. Strenthening all the muscles in your legs are most important in supporting your knee. Among the usual I have found a one legged squat to be the best for me. It is difficult at first (but being the youngin' that you are, you shouldn't have any problems) but have found that if I do this consistently I have minimal problems with my knee. Good luck!