Hi,
I looked across the boards regarding this topic but none of the previous posts seemed to completely address the issue I am having.. Perhaps I am too picky?
Approximately 8 months ago, maybe 6, I injured my knee.
This happened when I was running and crashed quite hard on my knee.
I later attempted to enter into four six stance, and was fine until about 5 seconds after when I attained a horrid pain in my knee.
Its been some time since I practiced Tai Chi and recently started up again. (I practiced on and off for those 6 months, I just didnt have a lot of time).
I notice now that whenever I enter four six stance (only on the injured leg) I get this horrible pain in my knee. Its not the knee cap, its right below. After I run, I get the same pain.
I cannot go too low on that knee.. and sometimes i can barely enter four six stance.
I can stand without pain. The only time there is a problem is when Im bending at the knee and there is a lot of pressure on it. I have been practicing squat stance to strengthen the knees, i dont go as low into four six stance on that leg, I practice duck walking to strengthen the knees, and I rotate the knees to loosen them up. Maybe Im just practicing too hard? Im not sure what I should do.
The pain is fine sometimes and isnt apparent when I practice so long as I dont go too low.. but afterwards it tends to hurt and I cant bend on it.
I will admit the last few days Ive been intensely working the knee.. so again, maybe Im just working too hard on it?
I can enter the tame the tiger stance, (with the knee and foot pointed outwards) there is a little pain but its generally ok.
I can perform the snake creeps down without much trouble. Its mainly four six stance, or say bringing my leg out as Im doing diagonal flying. I am generally fine in the bow and arrow, I bring my right leg in, and my left knee (the injured knee) is fine so long as Im not bent too low, but i can only bring my right foot out a little because I cant bend the knee to low.
Im rambling and this is long.. But Im not sure what to do.
Stop practice? half the amount of practice on the knee? stop practice on the knee all together? keep going with the knee strengthening drills? Ive noticed the duck walking and squat stance and so on do help, but again.. I dont know what to do.
Tai Chi has done so much for me since I started.. I just feel better about life.. and to have to stop would be devastating. I know others have had worse knee injuries than i.. But I just dont know what to do.
Help please?
Thank you!