what have i done??

[rara77]

According to the doctor, the reason for my knee pain is that the band that runs from my knee to my hip on the outside on my right knee, is extremely tight. This is making my quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles tense to try and counter the pull from this band.
I have been given some exercises to do, but these do not appear to be having any effect, and if anything are making the area more painful.
Also, it does not appear to be strengthneing the area as i keep hearing a painful popping when i go upstairs.
Nothing appeared on x-rays, and i was prescribed anti-inflammatories and painkillers, but nothing appears to be helping, and it is starting to effect every day life now.

Any ideas as to what i might have done?? I am a footballer, but also dance and am wondering whether it could be to do with either of these.

[Heidi]

If this is indeed the case, then it is called ITB syndrome and you can find out more about it here:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/irunnersknee.html

Pain on the outside of the knee, especially when walking up or down stairs is a common symptom.

Your Doctor is right that you may need strengthening exercises, but I doubt that he actually did a full biomechanical assessment to find out the cause of your pain. Correct me if I'm wrong! If this is the case then how can he possibly know which muscles need strengthening?

My advice is to get yourslef to any injury specialist who can assess you to find out what is the cause of this injury. It may well be weak hip muscles, but it might also be overpronation at the feet, or just that the ITB is exceptionally tight.

Good luck!