Blog Post #2 Bad Knees?!
In my journey through life, the well-being of my knees has always been a challenge (until my late 30s-40s). The story begins in my childhood, where I was labeled as "pigeon-toed," a condition now recognized as "in-toed." This unique trait, combined with my inherent hypermobility, led me to adopt certain postures and movements that unknowingly contributed to the early development of knee issues. I vividly remember sitting on the floor in the classic "W" posture, as it was the only position that felt comfortable. Little did I know that this seemingly harmless posture could potentially have adverse effects on my knees and hips. While modern research suggests otherwise, my personal experience seems to align more with the traditional concerns surrounding the "W" sitting position.
The first signs of trouble emerged when I turned 12, as I began to experience discomfort and pain in my knees. These issues hindered my participation in activities like running and soccer, prompting a visit to the doctor. Their diagnosis was disheartening; I was advised to steer clear of sports, with a somber prediction that I might require knee replacements in my 20s. However, I chose not to heed these warnings, continuing to engage in sports with unwavering determination. What many people are unaware of is that I have tilted knee caps, causing my knees to "track" at a diagonal angle, gradually wearing away the precious cartilage. Furthermore, for most of my life, I unwittingly stood with my knees hyperextended. While well-meaning individuals occasionally cautioned me against hyperextension, it meant little to me, as this stance was my default mode of support. Alternatives felt either "wrong" or remarkably unstable, and I remained oblivious to the existence of other options.
My journey took a particularly challenging turn when I attempted to join a casual game of soccer at the age of 21. The abrupt starts and stops on the field left me feeling crippled for several weeks. Nevertheless, I persevered, eventually regaining the ability to walk without a limp, and resumed my routine of jogging and walking. At that point, I had resigned myself to the belief that playing soccer was no longer feasible.
A pivotal moment occurred when I was around 25 or 26 years old. After completing a half marathon, I decided to go for a bike ride the following day and experienced an odd sensation. To my shock, it felt as though there was a disconnect under my knee; my lower leg and knee seemed incapable of supporting my average body weight. After enduring several weeks of immobility, I finally sought help from an orthopedist who recommended surgery with a potential 85% success rate.
After reflecting on my previous surgical experience (as discussed in my earlier post), I concluded that it was not the right path for me. Instead, I chose to forgo surgery, and today, my original knees are functioning remarkably well. Approaching 50, I recently completed a 6.8-mile run with no issues whatsoever.
My knee journey has been marked by numerous challenges and uncertainties, all influenced by the distinctive characteristics of my knees, my postural habits from childhood, and my unwavering determination to defy medical expectations. This narrative is just the beginning of my story, and I eagerly anticipate sharing more about my experiences and the valuable lessons I've gained along this extraordinary journey.