Knee swelling with no pain

Question
Saturday morning I went for a 30 mile bike ride. The distance was not a big jump, but I did do a lot more hill climbing. Sunday after noon I had a few sharp pains in the top of my left knee, but no swelling. Monday morning my left knee was a little stiff, but I felt like I going ahead and do a leg training workout. I did squats and leg curls with no pain. A little later that morning I notice I had some swelling on my left knee with no pain. Today the swelling has not increase and there is no pain.  I have a triathlon in 3 weeks and would like start back training as soon as possible. How long should I take off before running or ride my bike?

Ricky

Answer
Hi, Ricky

It sounds to me like you need to get to a trainer or physical therapist as soon as possible.  This is to make sure that if you go ahead with the triathlon in 3 weeks that you won't do more serious damage to your knee.

I would take action against the swelling.  Ice it and take aspirin or tylenol for the swelling even though you have no pain.

You should be in the tapering mode anyway, so it wouldn't be out of line in training to back off the intensity of the running and the biking.

Don't do anything more than you need and make sure to stop when you have pain.  Don't push past the pain because it could be an indication of a serious problem.

Whenever possible, make sure you keep that knee elevated (even when you sleep) and take it easy.

Also, make sure you are sufficiently warmed up before you begin your training so that your knee is in the best place possible going in to your workout.

I hope this helps, but make sure you see someone about your knee.