Up until September 2014 I was a regular jogger (3-4 times per week), before I began to experience an ache on the inside of my left knee, 15-20 minutes into a run. After a few weeks of 'testing' the knee on less frequent and softer runs, the pain got worse, to the point where i felt the same pain when walking or at rest. Four months on and I have entirely cut-out running from my day to day activities, and keep any walks to a slow pace, as any moderate exercise brings back symptoms.
I would describe the pain as a dull ache, which feels as if the knee is not fully supported/stable. When walking I can feel that my form is affected by the instability of the knee. When at rest, extending the effected leg out infront relieves the feeling of instability. After exercise the knee tends to 'lock' ever-so-slightly (this is not a painful sensation), to which a kicking motion 'unlocks' the knee. If I was to locate the pain on a diagram of the knee, it falls around the medial miniscus region.
When comparing the two knees, there is no visual clue as to what is wrong with the knee, which is why a number of doctors have told me that my knee is fine. To touch, the left knee feels slightly more 'boney' along the inside than the right one. I have tried a number of knee exercises (squats, extensions, thigh contractions) and hip strenghening exercises, as commonly prescribed for runner's knee injuries, but none of these have helped in the rehabilitation.
Its been four months now, and although I know this is a first world problem and I am still lucky to have my limbs, it is having a negative impact on my livlihood!
Has anyone experienced anything similar? I'd really appreciate your comments/advice!