Good Afternoon Dr. Rynne, I am a 52 year old woman who has been very physically active (work out at gym 4-5 days/week)for about two years now. I take strength classes as well so I know my knees are strong. However, last Monday, 5/8 I noticed pain in my left knee. It hurt to bend and straighten the leg. there is no swelling or bruising. I applied ice for first 24 hours, but the heat has helped a lot. I stayed away from the gym all last week to rest as much as possible. Last night, I went back to the gym, modified everything and was good. I woke up able to move my leg/knee well without hardly any pain. I have been taking Tylenol(cannot take Ibuprofen-am a bariatric patient as well and have lost 120 pounds). I do not think this is a blood clot. I think maybe tendonitis or something in that area. Prior to bariatric surgery, I never worked out at all so I know this was a big shock to my body. today at work(I have a sit down job) I have tried ice without relief but heat works better now. I can at least walk around and bend my knee better. I think it is time to see my doctor. thank you.
During workout, you may have sprained your medial collateral ligament, or you might be having any bursitis. I am assuming as you have not mentioned which side of knee hurts. Whatever if pain and swelling is severe avoid workout, apply compression bandage, ice application will help you and do only normal household activities.in the meantime consult an orthopedic surgeon