And the name is... Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. It's also known as runner's knee. It's funny how putting a name to something changes the way we think about it.
I've had this pain on and off - mostly on - since last Thanksgiving. And I've had it before - about 25 years ago.
Doctor: Ever had this before?
Patient: Yes, a while back.
Doctor: Well, you have it again.
PFPS is characterized by clicking and pain due to misalignment of stuff in the kneecap. It's most painful going down stairs and sometimes when running. Running is not bad until an uneven surface reaches up and attacks. The least little uphill or downhill can result in a very sudden and unexpected pain.
It's not too surprising, therefore, that my running, such as it was by the end of last year, is now totally down the tubes. I'm still trying to do some, but we're only talking 30-50 miles per week these days. And most of that is on the dreadmill. The mill doesn't hurt because it's as even a surface as there is. Once last week, 1/3 mile into a planned 11-mile run I stepped off the road and out of the blue experienced that sudden, awful pain. But I've had some other outdoor runs that weren't so bad - usually on weekends with friends (who humor me by letting me run and try to stay up with them).
I somehow have to get this thing under control. Maybe tomorrow I'll figure something out. Or maybe the next day.
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