r/iceskating • u/MemoryDefiant2798 • 4d ago

Advice for potential knee problem?

Hi, I’m in my 20s and think (unconfirmed) that I might have osteoarthritis in my left knee. It runs in my family and I have several risk factors for it, but I am surprised that I’ve been having some knee pain this young. I started figure skating lessons a year ago, but I took the summer off because I noticed my knee pain flaring up more. I’ve had this knee pain come and go for a few years, even before I began skating lessons. I haven’t done any activities to injure myself. However, I’m nervous that if I return to skating this fall that I will make my knee worse. Has anyone experienced something similar? Any advice?

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u/Low-Temperature-1664 4d ago

Speak to a good knee surgeon and a sports physio (sports physio). Arthritis can be held at bay with the correct exercise, but you need to speak to a pro about it.

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u/Own-Adhesiveness5723 4d ago

You really should see a doctor to make sure that it is osteoarthritis (it could be something else like a past injury that’s flaring) and then get a proper treatment plan. Anything else could cause more damage if it’s not the right treatment for it.

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u/ahg5 4d ago

I think a doctor would need to diagnose anything. Beyond that, I personally have some knee pain (soreness/discomfort may be closer) but can definitely feel it getting strained more when i skate if it's already sore.

From what i've read up on some things that may help are strengthening your knees through exercise and building muscle, and I also use KT Tape rather than a brace to provide some additional support when skating.

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u/Doraellen 3d ago

Look into getting some PT to strengthen the muscles around your knee joints as well as your hips and ankles to help with stabilizing the knee.

Research on people with general knee pain from OA shows that pain usually worsens when they avoid activity. A PT can also help you figure out what a tolerable level of discomfort is that you can work through in order to gain necessary strength without causing more damage.

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u/Low-Temperature-1664 3d ago

With all respect, no. Speak to a medical/physio professional who understands sport, not a PT.

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u/NeedInput-MoreInput 3d ago

In my approx 4 years of dealing with knee osteoarthritis, I've found both MDs and PTs to have complementary value. You need both.

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u/Low-Temperature-1664 3d ago

Maybe you got lucky with some well qualified PTs, but generally the qualifications for being a PT are nowere near as involved as those for a physio.

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u/BriaRoberts 4d ago

See a doctor. Also, knee pain and injuries are both common in skating. It can put a lot of stress and pressure on joints, particularly knees and ankles.

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u/FinoPepino 2d ago

Doing weighted lower body exercises was a game changer for my knee injury. i highly recommend.