Knee Pain/Problems?

[DeepDrummer]

I have sat on the floor with a phonebook draped over my lower leg holding it out straight for more hours than I can count to keep my quads strong. Good point. very important for knee support.  Ankle weights work that way nicely too.  I've done that even in a hotel room since hotel rooms deteriorate the body quickly.

[mdrummer5]

I started developing pain in my left knee a few months ago and spent hours reconfiguring my kit to make sure my left leg is always in a comfortable position. 

I was always hellbent on having my pedals symmetical (similar angle) but for whatever reason my left foot has a tendancy to point outward, this happens when I walk too.  I set up my kit so that when I sit down my left foot is exactly where it would be if i were just sitting naturally... it looks goofy compared to how you see some set up because the right one is almost straight and the left one is at about a 45 degree angle... but no more joint issues!

[sheepshagger]

Fish oil supplement tablet's (1000mg daily)
Eat your greens (brocoli, sweet peas, cabbage etc)
Table spoon of Extra virgin Olive oil daily

It may sound stupid but seriously it will help greatly. Im only 22 and my joints and knees have always been awful since i was a young'un, i run every other day and lift weights 3 days a week around drumming, this has helped me the most keeping ache's and pains at bay.

[drummer0]

Thanks for all the help everybody, it's funny, I have a 13" snare drum already, I take glucosamine w/chondroitin and msm, olive oil, and organic flax seed oil (which is supposedly better then fish oil, but who knows). I sit high up on my throne (but only on the kit, not in my mind). I have my pedal tension pretty loose now, based on the advice of an older touring drummer I speak to at work. I can walk fine, and do everything else fine. But when I play the drums, it feels weak and weird. Sucks man. I've also been doing RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression Elevation of the knee. I'm trying everything. I went to the doc, they did an Xray, said my knee looks fine. I didn't get approved for the MRI through insurance. BS. Besides all this I wear a knee brace now when I play.

[drummer0]

I forgot to mention I like to play barefoot too, should I wear shoes? If so what type of shoes are best?

[avdltd]

I've been playing drums for 20 years now. I'm now developing some serious knee problems especially in my right knee.

Any drummers out there going through the same thing? I need some tips on form and how you all hit the kick pedal.

Unfortunately, it's a common problem, and it is a result of playing in an unnatural position.  It's called "jumpers knee"  and from what I understand it can become cronic.   You may want to look into a Vector pedal.  It solves the problem according to some bloggers who has had the same issue as you.

[YELLOW_TOAD]

I've been playing drums for 20 years now. I'm now developing some serious knee problems especially in my right knee.

Any drummers out there going through the same thing? I need some tips on form and how you all hit the kick pedal.

Unfortunately, it's a common problem, and it is a result of playing in an unnatural position.  It's called "jumpers knee"  and from what I understand it can become cronic.   You may want to look into a Vector pedal.  It solves the problem according to some bloggers who has had the same issue as you.

Thanks...I need to look into this.

[drummer0]

Thank you, I'll check that out!