Running downhill - blew out my knee today

[panthersix]

So I turned 50 last week and I was all psych'd up to kick ass on a 5km LEO charity run today. The first mile was a steep down hill grade for the whole mile. My right knee gave out right at the mile marker. Its the front lower right area of the knee, where the top of the fibula connects to something in the knee.

Anyone have this happen to them? It's been a weak area of my right knee for years but today it got a lot worse! No swelling, just a lump at the top of the fibula bone. I've been to VA for it and they just looked at x-rays and said no worries.

[dbmtrman]

They took xrays? Thats it? Any serious knee issues are usually only detected after an MRI. You need to tell them you need that done. You still in LE?

[panthersix]

They took xrays? Thats it? Any serious knee issues are usually only detected after an MRI. You need to tell them you need that done. You still in LE?

Negative on the LE, never was and never will be, although I do have a BA in Multiple Choice (Criminal Justice). I retired out of the Guard in '08 and have been a transportation planning consultant for the past 22 years. But I did get about 7 years of jump status out of the USAR/NG before they started eliminating jump units. I'm service connected for my spine, feet and shoulders for ortho damage over the years. I reckon it's time to get them to add my knee? I dunno, just tired of losing the physical capabilities at what I feel is a young age. Although, on the other hand, I'm glad to still be upright :)

[Flesh Thorn]

When you say "blew out your knee, does this mean there was sudden pain ? Was there any accompanying sounds or sensations such as a "pop", grinding, etc. ? Pain in the knee on long down hills is common for us older runners because of the wear and overuse . Muscle imbalance and weakness around the knee allows the knee cap to track wrong which causes all sorts of pain and problems.

[panthersix]

It's not the knee cap, it's a wear and tear issue I'm sure. No popping or cracking, just became unstable and very weak in the front outside of the knee where it joins with the fibula. I did some google fu and I need a hinged brace to give me some lateral stability.

[Flesh Thorn]

Is there swelling ? You could have an ACL issue. Go see an orthopedist!

[panthersix]

Is there swelling ? You could have an ACL issue. Go see an orthopedist!

No swelling, not ACL, but LCL (I think) and I've been to the VA ortho and he was useless....