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Cheers for the replies @plantasia & @jj72. It just slowly came on rather than a snap or instant pain pre or post ride. No instability as far as I can tell, however today is really the first day in 6 days I'm going further than my kitchen.
Definitely will pick up some ibuprofen gel rather than the tablets.
The pain does remind me of a muscle tear so I'll keep resting and no cycling. Worth elevating the knee as well?
Dexter-
I’m just into the fourth week of the couch to 5k running programme, and the last couple have left me with a pain below my left knee. I’ve been icing it for about 20 minutes after the run and it’s helped a great deal. My wife suggests rather than elevating the knee, I sit lengthwise on the sofa and place a couple of cushions under the knee, so that the leg is like a pyramid, and the apply the ice pack. As a cyclist my knee doesn’t like being held dead straigh for more than a few minutes, so keeping it up but crooked is a much better idea. Try that instead.
PS. I’m writing this with an ice pack on my left groin instead tonight. That’s what happens when you take up running after 40 years of cycling!
jj72
Just has a word with my wife, who has a degree in sports science (altho she’s now a behaviour analyst) and has also had ACL surgery. Here’s her initial response:
“Is there any instability in the knee, ie side to side or does it feel like it’s going to give way? Did the pain occur suddenly or post-exercise? Was there a snap? How long ago did the injury occur?
I’d suggest some damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, or maybe the hamstring, as it attaches to the joint around that area. Possible iliotibial band damage.
Keep on what you’re doing - RICE in 30 minute sessions and plenty of rest. Ibuprofen gel directly to the area. Try and get hold of a crutch or stick for stairs. No cycling. A Physio would suggest the same, it’s probably a small tear in one of those three areas so only rest and repair will fix it. If you aggravate it further you may well damage it enough to warrant surgery. Sorry, but best to be careful here. I’ve had ACL and it’s not funny.”