Knee Problems...

Skip On Ocoee · Post by **Skip On Ocoee** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:30 pm

Hey All,

I'm posting about some knee problems i've been having lately, i know this may be common when i get older, but i'm only 16 years old ... and my knees feel like they are 70 years old, kneeling is problematic, squating then getting back up is problematic. pretty much anything that involves placing my weight on bended knees hurts.

I used to Cboat alot, then i didn't have a boat, now i've just got back into it. Do you all think this problem is only temporary? Or could it foreshadow other problems as i get older?

i'd love to hear any advice. Thanks everyone

Skip On Ocoee

Bob P · Post by **Bob P** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:33 pm

Unless you've injured your knee(s) since you stopped boating, the problem is probably temporary. Try using a slightly higher seat for a while. If that doesn't work, see a doctor. You might have an injury that doesn't show up normally.

I've been C-boating for 30 years, and the only time I was uncomfortable was the first year - where I sometimes had to crawl out of my boat after paddling for more than an hour or so. Heck - I recently had a knee operation (torn ligament) and I was back in my boat in three weeks. And I'm 61 years old.

cheajack · Post by **cheajack** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 12:05 am

Stretch, Stretch, then stretch some more

HIPPOSTAN · Post by **HIPPOSTAN** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:02 am

I agree on both comments.
1: Go and see a Physio, explain and show how you sit, move, paddle. Get as many stretches and excercises from them as possible and start doing them NOW and keep doing them for years to come.

2: If it hurts STOP, go and get some medical advice.

3: Patience; take your time with stretching, don't push to hard to fast.
Perserverance; each week push a little further, but don't give up as it will benefit you so much in the long run.
Practice; stretch every morning, stretch before every paddle and most of all relax while you are doing your stretches.

Also YOGA is worth a look.

Hope your boat is looking good, how did the keyhole/thigh problem go, hope you fixed it???

cheers
Hippostan

Kelly-Rand · Post by **Kelly-Rand** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 4:56 pm

These symptoms occurred to me when I was a couple years younger than you. Kneeling was painful in church and anywhere else. I would see a doctor to confirm, but I would suspect that you are having this problem due to growth and a related deficiency in the blood supply to your knees. If it is what I suspect it only lasts a few years but in the mean time it pretty much stymies any kneeling activities.
The main thing is get checked.

Jim K-R

Post by **PAC** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:32 pm

I agree go see a doc! We all sometimes think we can tough it out but why deal with the pain. It might be something serious or an easy fix. Explain what you do and how you do it. Take the time to make sure the doc understands. They might not get it since your young (don't let them blow you off) and are involved in an activity they don't understand (c-boat ... do we understand it

?)!
But also look at the following - seat height, ankle blocks andspread at the knees.
Minor adjustments in one or more of these area can greatly reduce knee issues (believe me I know the pain).
I moved to a high seat 8+ inches as I started understand my body's needs - which helped a lot. But be ready... because it makes the boat twitchyer - don't worry you'll dail in shortly.
Also you want to make sure your weight in flat water is on the seat not on your knees. Once you get comfortable with that you'll find yourself doing this in bigger water too. Sort of a "zen" thing - working less and getting more back in return - while more relaxed and centered.
Slightly slope the seat from rear to the front and contour it to your hinnie - racer trick I learned that really helps with that zen thing in big water.
Widing your knees out as far as possible also aids in achieving that zen feeling and reduces the twitchy nature of a higher seat. In my both my Fink and Wheel Boy I modified the outfitting to get my knees are out as wide as they could go and that lead to dropping the saddle about 1/2 an inch in each.
As for ankle blocks - play with sizings, style and location. Some folks like long ones that are more like shin blocks, some like new firm grey minicell as the material, some like then small and right at the ankle. I like old large area beat down white life vest cell material. Very soft and cushie. And usually cheap - just ask around if someone has an old pfd they are willing to donate to your cause. Just duct tape in plce until you figure it out perfect placement, material and thickness.
Hope this helps and you become pain free - keep us posted! Paul C.

Wendy · Post by **Wendy** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 6:19 pm

I got the "scalloped" shape, cut one side to make it flat, then glued in. The most comfy ankle block I have ever found.

billcanoes · Post by **billcanoes** » Sat Aug 25, 2007 1:53 am

My knees have only bothered me in one boat the angle was just funny- my problem has always been my ankles or my feet falling asleep

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Sat Aug 25, 2007 3:51 am

PAC, when sloping your seat, which is the back and which is the rear??

My knees only bothered me in an OC where my toe blocks were too wide apart and too parallel with the boat chines.

But my legs/feet fall asleep in a painful way. I'm going to have to raise the saddle in my Score to 8+. I have big calfs and big thigh, and I think my problem is the pressure of my calfs behind my knees, so tall ankle blocks make things worse. Or at least that's my latest theory in this constant game.

Do folks agree on any stretches to recommend?

Good luck with the knees.

PY.

liskahon · Post by **liskahon** » Sat Aug 25, 2007 7:45 am

The collateral veins theory

Bunch of my friends are doctors and one of them told me that I might have developed additional veins in knees since my knees recently completely stopped "falling asleep". Now I can paddle for more than an hour without feeling basically any pain and then get out of the boat as if from the bed.... It used to be quite different (crawling out of my boat, walking on my ankles and stuff)
The collateral veins develop for instance in the heart of people having frequent heart attacks. These additional veins are a substitute for the veins that can no longer be used for blood supply....

Well but I got a problem of a different kind know. I don´t know why but my legs are going stiff while laying now... Might be also caused by C1ing

bigspencer07 · Post by **bigspencer07** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 5:38 pm

$.01,
Agree with others...go see someone, or even a 2nd opinion, diagnosis can sometimes be missed by one, nobody's perfect...especially if you're not seeing the very best. ...as with others...finding great ankle blocks & finding comfort from the foot on up can be key along with posture..and I noticed the glued-together foam that's used for showing boats....shaped in the horizontally lengthened "U". Cut it in half and shave it down to match one's shin..leading into your knee pads...especially great if you have any bowlegged/knock-kneed situation leading into the knees..that's where my problems actually are(but hardly exist anymore with comfort).
Best of luck...
$.01
steve

Post by **PAC** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 11:57 pm

PY - That should have been stern to bow under your hinnie. After I read your post I was thinking "WTF".... then I reread my post and started laughing. Teach me to stop multi tasking and proof read prior to posting! Good catch!

Sorry to those I confused...even it was only myself!

Paul C.
PS: The post was updated through the edit functionality.

C-Forum

Knee Problems...

Knee Problems...

One dollar pool noodles make great cheap ankle blocks

KNEES

.....get checked out!