Mild soreness of knee

Question
Hi,

I have been trying to get into shape. I have been going to the gym regularly. Normally I go approximately 5-6 days a week. I jog and walk (I walk for 6, jog on 5.5 for 20, walk 2, jog for 5 on 5.7, then walk 2, then jog 5 on 5.8, then walk 3, then jog on 6 for 7 mins. and walk the last 10 mins) everyday up to approximately 4.8miles, then use the olypictical for 20 minutes and then every other day do some weights. Recently I was jogging and notice mild pain in my left knee. I took two days off and then when I went yesterday and the pain was still there when I was jogging. My knee does not look swollen or anything and the pain is mild enough that I can jog over it but I do not want to hurt it. My knees have always made a cracking sound when i squat, walk up stairs, or bend them but they do not hurt when they make this sound. I really want to keep jogging but I'm afraid that if I keep ignoring this mild pain it will get worse. I already have orthotics for my shoes. Should I be using knee support too? Or should I stop running and go see a doctor?

Thank you,
Danica

Answer
Hi Danica
You a slight case of chondromalacia base on your description and symptoms.Do not use a knee brace it is just a crutch.You have to treat the cause of the problem which is an alignment and tracking situation.The best course of treatment for this is you want to do up right stationary bike workouts for 45 minutes with medium tension increasing it as you get stronger at 65 to 85 high rev rpm as often as you can.I would not do any jogging or elliptical for 8 weeks and just focus on the bike since this way you can monitor your symptoms easier and gauge your recovery.After this 8 week period you can you can do a little test jog for evaluation as to how the results from biking are taking effect.There is no real way to to project a complete recovery cause every ones case is different.I have helped 100's around the world with this and i was my own first client years ago in which it took me 8 months working 7 days a week to correct and no problems since.You just have to have a great great deal of patience.Any questions just get in touch or call me here in albuquerque NM any time to discuss this over the phone.

All the best

John