I have the same thing. About a year ago now, I started a new exercise routine and took on too much too soon. Completely screwed up my left knee. The knee cap does not track properly now. I had to get physio, but it still isn't better. No pain now, just a horrible horrible cracking sound everytime I bend my knee.
Then, at the beginning of this year I started learning to snowboard. It's pretty tough on the knees (especially for a beginner who doesn't have the technique yet) and the pressure completely screwed up my right knee. No horrible cracking sounds, just incredible pain which hasn't gone away after 5 months now. Sometimes I find it very difficult to sit down or stand up and I'm only 24!!!
I was also a keen runner, but had to stop because of my left knee. I started again recently wearing knee supports, but it doesn't help, my right knee was still too painful. Running just puts too much pressure on the joints. I struggle too with squats and lunges. If I do any jump squats, I get shooting pains up my leg from my knee. So my exercise routine now is pretty limited. I'm hoping to get an exercise bike soon since that (and swimming) is one of the best ways to strengthen your knees with minimal pressure.
I wasn't diagnosed with a condition or anything. But then again, my physiotherapist was pretty useless. I did some research on my own, and the only thing that matches the symptoms is "runners knee". Even non runners can get it and it's more common in women who overdo things before their body has had a chance to adapt. You can recover from it though, but it could take years. Focus on strengthening your knees and strengthening and lengthening your thigh muscles (tight thigh muscles could pull on your knee and make things worse, so you need to lengthen/relax the thigh muscles).
There's plenty of advice on runners knee if you google it. But it's also a good idea to see your doctor. They could give you more specific advice and exercises.
Hope that helped.  |