Pain in knees from unknown source (Metatarsalgia?)

IrishTeddi

Hi guys,

Lately my knees have been hurting me from about 10 minutes in from just walking down into town, and I've not experienced this before.

Some background: Within the last few months, I've lost over 2 stone by eating very healthily and getting out walking as much as I can. I was over weight, but not obese, and I'm feeling great now, but the pain in my knees is hampering my motivation to get out walking.

My right foot has been experiencing Metatarsalgia for the last three months (would this have any effect on my knees?), but I've noticed that it's been getting better very slightly, and as funds are extremely tight at the moment, I can't go to get either of these issues looked at.

Resting it, the ache goes away, and there's no injury or any swelling. Could this be part of me not having been active until now? Or could it be something else? The pain starts at the back of my kneecap, and after a while works it's way around to the front.

Any idea what It could be? (sorry for the long content).

JJayoo

There isn't an arrow stuck in your knee?

IrishTeddi

Was that meant to be funny? I hope your post gets removed by a mod.

Alf Veedersane

If you're only starting doing exercises now, you might just have weak muscles around your knees which will result in pain. But if it's causing you continued discomfort, then go to a physio who will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is

IrishTeddi

Thank you Alf, I was wondering if it was just "out of practice" muscle pain. I've been out of practice exercising-wise in the past, and I never experienced this discomfort, so I thought it was a bit alarming.

tattykitty

If you're having problems with your foot, it might be affecting your gait - this in turn could be causing your knee pain because you'll be putting pressure on different joints. Often happens to me if I get bad blisters - I end up with knee/ankle pain as a result of walking awkwardly. As has been said, it could also simply be a result of the increased exercise.

If you're concerned about it though, or you're finding it's getting worse, you might want to consider getting yourself checked out once you have the funds.

Congrats on the weight loss, btw

IrishTeddi

Thank you for mentioning that tatty, that makes sense! I've tried not to walk less on my foot that has metatarsalgia (a small swelling of the cartilage behind the large toe), but perhaps psychologically I may not think I am putting less pressure on that foot than the other, it's just hard to say.

Burkatron

IrishTeddi wrote: »

Thank you for mentioning that tatty, that makes sense! I've tried not to walk less on my foot that has metatarsalgia (a small swelling of the cartilage behind the large toe), but perhaps psychologically I may not think I am putting less pressure on that foot than the other, it's just hard to say.

Mobilize your feet, it will be horrible doing it but the relief after is worth it! Report back! (Not guaranteeing it will fix your problem BUT this is worth doing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsYLsjXVLR8

jimmyRotator

Burkatron wrote: »

Mobilize your feet, it will be horrible doing it but the relief after is worth it! Report back! (Not guaranteeing it will fix your problem BUT this is worth doing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsYLsjXVLR8

Thanks for this!

Metatarsalgia really strikes me as a bull**** diagnosis, and I wonder how much foot pain is pain referred from myofascial trigger-points in the foot, ankle and calf muscles. Seems more likely that the muscles of the foot get injured from overuse before the bone at the metatarsal heads becomes injured. But then im not a medical professional.

calfmuscle

OP if you are alarmed by the knee pain then please head to a physio. Please don't take medical advice from the internet.

Out of curiousity who told you you have Metatarsalgia?

What part of the country are you in and someone might be able to suggest a physio?