Update on the Knees, Please

It’s as I suspected. My core muscles and my inner thigh muscles are not strong enough and my higher level of physical activity (karate) it is exacerbating an already developing condition called patella femoral syndrome, quite common in, ahem, wide-hipped women. Hah.

I’m asked to take glucosamine chondroiton three times a day for at least three months ($21 per bottle/month) and see a physical therapist for regular sessions ($70 copay to get in the door). Likewise, I need to follow up with my regular MD in six weeks ($35 to get in the door).

I say thumbs up to the glucosamine chondroiton, I schedule 2-3 PT treatments and ask for a home plan, and I decline the follow up with the MD, saying I’ll schedule it separately if I do not see improvement.

Observations: It could be much, much worse.

Gratitudes: Despite the fact that copay costs seems to be going up as fast as gas prices, I am grateful for the health insurance that I can buy into as an employee of the craft school.

Grievances: “Syndrome” is officially my least favorite word.

Goals: Get the job done and keep on keepin’ on. I’m not geriatric…yet.

Showing 2 comments
  • Shelley-Lynne Domingue
    Reply

    I have arthritis in my toes. I use Nutriflex and have found that to actually work. The liquid lasts me about a month… I take the glucosamine but not as regularly as I should, it’s damn expensive.
    Plus the changing the eating habits as you’ve discussed doing does really help! I’m a big juicer and between that and yoga/stretching, that has helped too.
    Take heart! At least you are getting an answer now and not in your 40’s which is what happened to me. Help a sister out, If I’d known in my 20’s, when the pain started, I could have changed a lot sooner…

    http://www.nakaherbs.com/products/nutri_flex.html

  • Amy
    Reply

    Hi Katey!
    I just fell upon your blog today since you bring up the topic of Glucosamine and chondroitin. I represent a product called Elations, a fruit-flavored supplement drink that gives you the proper amount of glucosamine and chondrotin and you only have to drink one 8 oz drink daily.

    Like you I’m a 29 year old mixed martial artist. Up until recently I haven’t suffered from any joint pain..I mean we are 29 not 40 as you say. But the average 29 year old is not kicking round house after round house on the bag weekly. ha =) I practice in Chicago with the Extreme Fighting System. I was just promoted to low green belt. What an honor to get promoted to blue…I’m jealous. Although, I did have the honor of sparing with a black belt as she went up to get promoted. I was only at white during that time. I actually posted the video of it on youTube…I’ll send ya the link if you are intersted.

    Let me know if you want any additional info on Elations. Check out the website http://www.Elations.com. Good luck with everything and hopefully we can be in touch. Your blog entries are inspiring — I like how you relate the martial arts into everyday life. I can relate completly to the entry about how at times it’s hard to let your day go while training…I find myself struggling with this all the time. I lose all concentration and end up having such a poor training session — sometimes even getting myself hurt!

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