Question Number: 13504

Other 8/16/2006

RE: Rec, Grade 8

NL Mendez of ,, California USA asks...

A former soccer player, I am a newly licensed referee. I just completed AR + CR (2 games for each) this past weekend at an U10 b/g jamboree. I had a great time! I feel that this is a great way for me to give back to a sport that gave me so much pleasure and fitness. My knee, though, doesn't. I had my meniscus removed almost 20 years ago (the reason I stopped playing). I haven't been able to jog for long periods since the surgery but am able to sprint. There isn't anything in my knee, just bone on bone (they didn't have that kind of option in 1987). I'm 37 now, still relatively young (depending on who you ask). What advice can you give me so I can condition and referee without punishing my knee everytime? Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Advice in a bone to bone situation is: if it hurts don't do it. Seek medical attention, The Med Center in Davis is working with growing new cartilage and surgically returning it to where needed. Future thinking, but you're still relatively young.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

There also have been advances with artificial cartilage. Consult your orthopedic surgeon as to training you can do that may help but with knees, if it hurts, stop doing it. If you can sprint but can't jog, it may be better to do lines as you move up in the level of games you do.