RE: knees

[ISLNDGRL@aol.com]

      I dislocated my patella (knee cap) last August when I had to do an 
emergency "bail off" developed traumatic arthritis in the same knee and 
couldn't ride for 4 months....I had some warning signs I didn't pay too much 
attention to.........thought it was just age and too many  14 hr shifts as an 
ER nurse.......(not much sitting)... had plantar fasciatis and hamstring pain 
in the same leg for 2 years......horse was sound.......thought I was just 
doing some compensating for my scoliosis. and being right sided dominant and 
this all affected my left side...........well then the dislocation 
occurred.........the physical therapists........told me about my lateral 
(outside) muscles naturally pulling and shifting with age (and less exercise) 
and these muscles actually pulled my patella out and away from the knee.  ( I 
don't use my legs to "grip" either)  I had to ride a bicycle lots and lots 
and do floor excersises  to develop my other thigh muscles.  Squats were done 
well into my months of therapy.......with my back against a wall and ONLY 
bending to the point of discomfort then backing up and holding  at  a comfort 
zone for as long as tolerated.  When I dont' ride a bike for a while my pain 
comes back.  Ironically........They also told me to ride with shorter 
stirrups..........not a good decision.  My back was already aching from 
bending at the hip for so long............my knee couldn't bend......that 
when I rode in a short stirrup I threw my back out!!!!!   Oi Vey!  Finally 
back in the saddle.......it is a slow process.  

Kathy 
Jupiter, Fl
PS: for all of those who ride 25---50 miles while pregnant.........please 
consider how far away the nearest hospital  is..........y'all make me nervous.


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