Knees and Tenderness

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello - I am new to the forum and wanted to ask if anybody has any advice on the following.

I have been able to sit in Lotus quite comfortably but about 6 months ago I noticed after practice and when holding poses that take the knee sideways, I feel tightness and tenderness on the inside of the knee joint (think its referred to as Lateral?)

I do not feel any pain or tenderness in normal use, only a tenderness when taking sideways. I touched the knee and it feels lightly bruised which goes away after nights rest or use of a hot water bottle.

Any ideas appreciated on poses to aid recovery. Its only one knee that plays up.

#2

Welcome to the forum, of course.

Your post doesn’t contain enough information for a very accurate and precise reply. I’m also a bit confused as you state that lotus is fine but taking the knees “sideways” is not. That seems contradictory but may simply be a lack of detail.

There should never be sharp pain in a joint, period.
What goes on in asana should reside in the muscle and subtle body. However students are rarely taught how to use muscle, where to put their mind, and how to direct the breath (beyond “breathe”). Therefore the places muscles attach AND that which connects them to bone are often over or inappropriately used.

Students who sit in padmasana without opening in the hips (external rotation and abduction) direct the energy of the pose into the knee joints. Some get away with it in the moment, some get away with it over time, most do neither and sustain ligament injury in the knee joint.

There are also muscles which attach at or near the inner knee and they can create some knee discomfort. Without seeing you the best I can offer is to stop what you are doing, find more integrity in the doing, and/or value your practice and self deeply enough to get some in-person guidance from a skilled teacher.

#3

Dear friend,

I do not exactly what might affect your knee, but I can tell you what lotus-like poses are the most dangerous ones in yoga practice. here is very helpful information on how to protect you knee. Roger Cole, PhD charing his work here http://www.rachelyoga.com/2009/11/yoga-shouldnt-hurt-by-roger-cole/

#4

Hi Again - Thanks for the advice.

I would say that sharp pain is not really there but when moving into Lotus its the taking of the knees into the position that gives a tenderness, once there and holding it I feel a tension and discomfort, especially if I was to bend forward.

I also feel this when bending to go into Padangustasana, also with a twisted side bend I would feel it in the bent knee as I leaned to the opposing side.

Maybe the hips are a good indication and need more opening - Any suggestions which poses to adopt.

Thanks for you help with this all.

#5

[QUOTE=travellingenigma;42087]Hi Again - Thanks for the advice.

I would say that sharp pain is not really there but when moving into Lotus its the taking of the knees into the position that gives a tenderness, once there and holding it I feel a tension and discomfort, especially if I was to bend forward.

I also feel this when bending to go into Padangustasana, also with a twisted side bend I would feel it in the bent knee as I leaned to the opposing side.

Maybe the hips are a good indication and need more opening - Any suggestions which poses to adopt.

Thanks for you help with this all.[/QUOTE]

yep, the article I sent you explains everything…and yes, it is two bad poses for the knees - padmasana and padangushtasana

#6

Sorry for delay in reply - Thanks for articles City Monk