I have been having some pain in my knee probably since the July 4 race.  It hasn't been the same type of pain as my ACL or meniscus.  It wasn't muscle soreness.  It didn't really bother me while I was running but really bothered me after, really.  I have iced, tensed, heated, taped, and braced.  I was resigned to the fact that it was probably a stress fracture.  I was waiting until our new insurance kicked in so I could go to the dr to get it checked out.  Finally, yesterday I was able to get in to the chiro, (x-rays are cheaper here and he is pro-active).  After a look at the x-rays, we(he) ruled out a stress fracture.  There is some more wear and tear since the last knee surgery and it is clear the meniscus is completely gone now.  My tibia was out of alignment and was rubbing on another bone or my knee cap.  He said it was almost like a dislocation of the bone which could usually only occur with trauma.  Is it possible that this has been out of place for 3 years?  I have had pain in that thigh and calf every since my surgery.  He wanted me to tens my calf and thigh because there was a lot of buildup of "knots" because of the tension on the muscles due to the misplacement of the tibia.  He suggested no outside running but instead to try his Alter G machine.  With a few "treatments" and a few weeks of alter g running, I should be good to go.  His hours aren't that convenient for me since my daughter is going to school with me now.  I think I will be able to get in for treatment 3 days a week and alter g running 2 x. 

What that means is that I probably won't stop running outside.  I just can't lose the cardio.  This injury won't cause anything severe if I don't stop running, the pain will just continue.  With treatment and a few adjustments to running, I hope to alleviate some of the pain.  Just after one day of treatment, ice and new placement of the Tens unit, I am already much better.  18 miles this weekend will be the true test.