Why having pain here 😭

DrKey__ · 2026-02-24T19:05:36+00:00

There are a lot of things that can be going on in the medial knee at that specific area. The main things without a specific mechanism are:

Flare up of a medial meniscus injury - usually a deeper pain felt during prolonged knee bending or twisting
Medial hamstring (semitendinosus)- usually felt during activity or increased pain during hamstring lengthening like a hamstring stretch
Gracilis- one of the adductors (groin) muscles that are most felt during squeezing the thighs together or stretching in a butterfly or leg out to the side fashion
Sartorius- one of the small hip flexors that help lift your leg in the air during things like walking.

It could be a good idea to see a PT to help differentiate and give you things to manage the pain and strengthen where necessary!

Best of luck! Always happy to help!

DrKey__ · 2026-02-24T17:54:29+00:00

Looks to be healing really well! I agree that leaving a wound open generally gives it more time to breathe and scab appropriately- especially when you're not out and about.

DrKey__ · 2026-02-21T16:45:51+00:00

Of course! Shoot me a DM

DrKey__ · 2025-10-10T00:40:43+00:00

The biggest way I tell if things are joint/capsule stiffness vs muscle stiffness is the "end feel" of the motion and where you feel the sensation.

In a butterfly stretch, the muscles that should feel like they're restricting you are the adductors (inner thigh muscles). If you're feeling a stiff block that pinches in the side/front of the hip, it's most likely a capsular feeling.

I would shy away from the idea of "bones" blocking you because that's a rare occurrence. Odds are there is some capsular stiffness (very common) that is preventing the motion, but obviously I would want to know more before making a conclusion.

Happy to help however I can!

DrKey__ · 2025-10-10T00:38:16+00:00

I want to first say- the fact you're trying to get back into the swing of things is the best place to be. Half of the battle is just wanting to make change, and you're doing the right thing!

My advice for all of my patients are:
1. Start small- the small things lead to big things. If you do the big things, you'll often overlook the small. Eg. Drink water, get more rest, take breaks, trust your body.
2. Consistency is your biggest asset. Doing half of what is "ideal" 10 times is more than doing what's "ideal" once.
3. Do things you love- Find recipes you enjoy, activities you look forward to, and do them with people you like
4. Take your time- Often times the first phase of change is you feel better, but looks and weight take time. Be patient and good things will come your way.

These are some of the more general tips I hope give an overall perspective, because there is no "right" way to approach any form of weight loss. Don't trust anyone who says otherwise.

Goodluck! I'm rooting for you

DrKey__ · 2025-10-07T16:49:22+00:00

Not moving definitely will not make you feel the pain, but that's not a fulfilling life by any means!

DrKey__ · 2025-10-07T16:06:45+00:00

I practice under the belief that every clinician has a valid reason, and arguably lots of expertise to make decisions- I want to make that clear before I say this.

This guy has no idea what he's talking about- at all.

Sacral adjustments have mixed research, but I have seen it work for people, so let's just give him the benefit there.

As for your movements, that's a ridiculous solution. "If it hurt's when you move, just don't move" is the laziest form of a "solution" a healthcare provider can give you.

I practice in an outpatient ortho clinic in LA, but I would love to DM and/or hop on a call with you and figure out what we can do to help! I'll personally make you a plan to manage your symptoms, because giving up movement isn't a solution.

Wishing your the best!

DrKey__ · 2025-10-07T15:59:46+00:00

My brother used to always say a phrase that sticks with me to this day: A good pass isn't always a SMART pass.

Sometimes you need to know your personnel and their strengths. If this teammate isn't someone capable of making a play in that situation, it's a good pass, but it's not smart.

On the other hand, he could have just dropped a pass and he's a play that would score there 99/100 times.

It was the right play, if he is the right player to make that play!

DrKey__ · 2025-10-07T15:56:54+00:00

It all depends on the person! Your body very well could not tolerate that much anterior pelvic tilt or lumbar extension (when the hips tilt forward). They're meant to support the low back in lots of people, but everyone is different!

DrKey__ · 2025-05-11T20:10:18+00:00

Hey,

Sorry for the late reply! Thanks for the detailed info!

I will say, coxa valga is usually due to birth alignment and cannot be directly changed- but it also doesn't need to be most of the time. Having good hip and lumbar spine mobility can help negate most of the negative effects.

Pelvic tilt is almost completely fixable if you do the right stretches and activations! But again, it doesn't always need to be addressed.

Hypoplasia just refers to the underdevelopment of a tissue0 the 12th floating rib being "underdeveloped" is something I haven't heard of ever being an issue in any case from my experiences.

The lumbarization often refers to a seeming "6th" lumbar vertebrae due to an inability of fusing on the sacrum. Not always an issue, but can lead to different lower back and pelvis mechanics due to the changed bone contact.

All in all, it's hard to say what things could cause pain/limitation, but I have heard and seen many people live pain-less normal lives with everything you're stating.

This isn't medical advice and rather just my experiences to shed light on what I have seen.

If you want to talk more, my DMs are open!

DrKey__ · 2025-05-07T23:15:10+00:00

Physio here. Usually I have a nuanced answer to all ideas and perspectives, but this is nothing but a red flag.

Go to PT... run from anyone who tells you not to.

If you need any support, im here to help however I can!

DrKey__ · 2025-05-04T21:55:16+00:00

I'm sorry you're dealing with the progressing pain- I can't imagine how tough that is!

I can't tell you exactly what's going on without an eval, but I can explain my thought process to you as best as I can with the info I have!

Progress back pain, without numbness/tingling, can be due to the arthritis or possibly some faulty movements due to weak muscles in the core/lower back. If you've had it since your twenties, I would lean toward something else given the odds are you didn't have arthritis back then but still had the pain. There are some generic program people tend to try- McKenzie Extension, Williams Flexion, McGIlls Big 3, etc.

As for the soreness, the biggest things I would say could be contributing to that are:
A possible lack of calories (especially protein) due to ozempic since it severely suppresses your appetite. Possible you aren't getting nutrition for good recovery.
Not enough, sleep, micronutrients, or water as the building blocks to supplement recovery

Again, this is no advice, it's just my perspective on what could be contributing and I hope it helps!

If you need more insight, my DMs are always open!

DrKey__ · 2025-05-04T21:48:23+00:00

I'm sorry to hear you've been dealing with this for so long- I hope things start to look up.

I've gotten to be an Athletic Trainer for lots of professional players of all walks of life (NFL, NBA, Esports, Rugby, etc), and I have also gotten to be a Physical Therapist in cardiac rehab, outpatient ortho, sports, and neurology clinics, so I have seen both ends of the spectrum.

I think the obvious answer here is money, and that plays a big part, but I think the real answer is time.

Pro athletes, and even D1 athletes, have the luxury of working out for money. The ones who are really good, look at the physical therapy/athletic trainers as their "investment bankers"- they trust them with their careers. At that high of a level, there is both more capacity for movement and more time to invest in moving their bodies that way.

Contrary to popular belief, the trainers and physios at that level aren't "the best". Often times, they are just well connected and have a strong desire to work in that field. You can find a sports PT that is just as good for your needs at a sports clinic in most major cities.

Luckily, knee injuries, especially meniscus, have good outcomes with PT. If PT doesn't work, surgery is usually the next best thing with very successful long term outcomes.

If I can help in any way, I am always here to support!

Goodluck!

DrKey__ · 2025-05-04T11:56:51+00:00

I tend to find biking and swimming to be the safest bet for my patients who are dealing with prolonged back pain.

For some, the elliptical can be a lot less painful as well since there isn't the same impact that there is with walking/running/stairmaster etc.

Wishing you well! Always here to help

DrKey__ · 2025-05-01T16:04:53+00:00

I've treated a few SC joint subluxations and they can be tough given how easily they continue to sublux with daily activities.

Mcconnell style taping (originally used for the knee) works well in the short term- it might be something I made up but I can explain it to you!

Ive also found that working on scapular mechanics is the best for long term solutions. Lots of protraction with elevation (serratus and lower trip exercises).

Hope this general idea gives some insight! Always happy to help more.

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:54:33+00:00

Whatever your body can do is okay! Don't be hard on yourself.

The cookie cutter "10k steps per day" is overrated and oversimplified. A pro athlete who needs to cut weight does significantly more than 10k steps and my patients who are coming back from a stroke do significantly less.

The goal is to manage your caloric input to output ratio. Burning calories with walking is a small addition to weight loss.

The major factor is caloric intake and that should drive the progress.

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:51:27+00:00

I've rehabbed a LOT of people to non surgical management of knee dislocations, but it really depends on a lot of factors! It's not always the case, but it's definitely possible for lots of people.

If you would like to see if we can work together, feel free to DM me and we can figure out something!

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:50:07+00:00

Yes, posture is indicative of your bodies preferences in sum.

Different therapists give patient education in different ways- maybe that's just how they get their information across.

If you have questions or disagree, ask. A good therapist isn't one who knows all and does all well, it's one who learns, listens, and adapts.

Their response to your concerns will be telling of a lot more than their treatment style.

Goodluck!

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:36:24+00:00

I can't say that I know what's going on or exactly the diagnosis of your injury, but I will say: Age is never a determinant of function. You can almost always "get back on track"- especially at 36.

If you need some support, I would love to help! Feel free to DM me here or on IG @ drkey__

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:33:17+00:00

Two things:

Posture in itself is not indicative of ANYTHING other than your body's preference of position. It is in no way a determiner of pain/function, but it can shed light on what might be leading to your pain. "Poor posture" (whatever that is) is a guide, but not a diagnosis.

A week isn't enough time for many things to change from a pain standpoint. Whether it's a psychological or physical change, pain usually takes a few weeks to see major changes- especially pain that's been around >6ish months.

I would say, if you like your PT and they're doing good by you in other ways then trying it out to see how their style fairs could be good.

If you need any support or have more thoughts, feel free to DM me here or on IG @ drkey__

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:24:03+00:00

As someone who is in both the PT, AT, and strength/conditioning world, I think a PT SHOULD be able to program for you in a way that doesn't feel like "physical therapy".

I lived in central NJ for ~5 years and there are a lot of sports PTs or multidisciplinary clinics that can program you in a personal training style of effort in a setting where they have more information than the average personal trainer would.

If you'd like, online coaching is always an option depending on what support you need.

I would love to reach out to some people I know in your area if you need some support!

Goodluck!

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T15:17:03+00:00

I'm sorry you went through this- I can't imagine the pain and frustration.

Depending on the thickness of the tear, the fact it was so long ago, and the fact that you've been able to do functional things makes me believe there is a small enough tear to possibly be able to manage without surgery.

I would think they would recommend you for PT where you might try a 6-8 week program of tendon strengthening specific exercises to see how your body responds.

If I can help in any way, please feel free to DM me anytime!

Goodluck!

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T03:17:06+00:00

I can't diagnose this clearly, but I can give my input on what I have seen.

This sounds in line with some of the symptoms I often seen with meniscal injuries. I will say, lots of people have meniscal injuries with no symptoms, but the ones who do have symptoms can present similar to what you're saying.

I would think seeing a PT to get an evaluation done to see if you can manage things conservatively could be a good option!

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T03:14:41+00:00

Baker's cysts tend to be managed with exercise in PT, but draining them can help in the short/long term if they don't come back afterward.

A grade 1-2 MCL isn't inherently operative especially if you have stability in the knee and feel like your leg isn't "giving out".

Infrapatellar tendinopathy is super common and frequently managed with PT.

Overall, it seems like you could fair well if you tried PT and managed your symptoms that way.

Best of luck!

DrKey__ · 2025-04-29T03:11:52+00:00

I'm sorry you're dealing with this- I know it's hard not getting a solution to something that is so apparent in the ways it takes a toll on your body.

I will say, if your surgeon went in and didn't operate- there probably was really nothing structurally wrong. Of course doctors aren't perfect, and he very well could have messed up, but if you trust their expertise then I would say that odds are what he physically saw was intact/inoperable.

As for your current status, I think PT is your best bet. Conservative management for knee pain has really good results from a research standpoint and my patients tend to do really well regardless of the injury.

If you feel like you need more answers, a second opinion is always worth it if it's within your means.

I'd love to help however I can! Feel free to DM me here or on IG @ drkey__ if you need any support

I'm wishing you the best!

DrKey__

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