Knee and Ankle joint problems

I went to see the doctor, described the history of the situation, she diagnosed the ankle problem as inflammation of lower tendon (insertion point). She recommended an ultra sound and some anti-inflammatory tablets/gels.

A little google'n lead to this cool sight and advise:
http://www.tendonitis.net/achilles-tendonitis.html

"Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from an achy pain and stiffness to the insertion of the Achilles tendon to the heel bone (Calcaneus), to a burning that surrounds the whole joint around the inflamed thick tendon. With this condition, the pain is usually worse during and after activity, and the tendon and joint area can become stiffer the following day.  This is especially true if your sheets are pushing down on your toes and thereby driving your foot into what is termed plantar flexion (downward flexed foot), as this will shorten the tendon all night."  


This sounds FAMILIAR. Reassuring!


I will begin a good stretching regiment for the calf muscle. Consider the use of anti-inflammatory tablets if the pain cycle worsens with the stretches.


Regarding the knee the doctor confirmed my thoughts, after some physical tests she believes that the medial collateral ligaments of the knee have been damaged to some degree.


http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/medialligament.htm

Medial Collateral Ligament

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) connects the inner (medial) surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). 

Grade 1 symptoms:

• Mild tenderness on the inside of the knee over the ligament.
• Usually no swelling.
• When the knee is bent to 30 degrees and an outward force applied to the lower leg to stress the medial ligament, pain is felt but there is no joint laxity (looseness)

For the knee I'm not sure I can deal with it myself, so I will go to a physiotherapist and seek their advise.

Knee and Achilles Problems

My Achilles both left and right have now been giving problems for about 5-6 months, without any let up. They are very painful at times. They get tired quickly. After a bout of running or basketball they really flare up. Sitting for a long time then trying to walk is always associated with pain, and stiffness.

The problem started about 6 months ago when I started to play some semi-serious basketball with my brothers team "INVICTUS". I hadn't played any serious sport since I retired from Volleyball in 2008. I went at the basketball with quite a bit of vigor, and within 1-2 months the achilles issue started to flare up. I stopped playing for a good 1 month, but it didn't really settle. So I just went back to playing, thinking I could play through it, and actively treat it with stretching and strengthening. It didn't go as planned really. Then about 1 month ago I went for a loose ball as did a team mate and it led to an incident were my out stretched right leg was forced through the knee in a medial direction. It hurt at the time. One week later though the real problems started as the knee pains and slight instability began.

So know I struggle with both achilles tendon tightness and medial knee looseness.

These problems have really caused me some distress. I fear that my activity levels may be permanently reduced. Any thoughts of really improving my basketball, or restarting a veteran volleyball career, or table tennis, have really been put on ice.

My energy input and output balance has been put at risk.

I even wonder if I can actively cycle anymore. Leaving swimming as my only real option at the moment.

I'll have to seek some advice from some health professionals, doctor/specialist/physiotherapists.

We'll see.