I Kneed Help

Sincere apologies for the title, but really -- this is getting ridiculous. It's been nearly two months since Atomic Man and my knee is still not functioning properly. After a total of probably five running-free weeks (and not in the Ryan Hall way) I'm searching for answers. Although I haven't found the right answers yet, but I have learned a few things along the way.

My first thought was that I needed a mental break anyway, so a physical break at the same time would give me a perfect month to reflect on my training and racing, not to mention my job, my friends and my life in general. Then things would come back together and I would be back in base-training mode.

When my knee wasn't healed after a week, I was frustrated, but not worried. After a few weeks of ice, rest and high-dose NSAIDS (which I suspect contributed to my five canker sores) I was pissed. After a few more weeks of biking, but not running, I was ready to see a doctor. Then I waited another week.

The problem is, I don't remember a specific injury. There's no swelling. It doesn't hurt enough to render me physically inable to run, though at 22 I've finally developed the good sense not to push it. Cycling doesn't bother it, but it sometimes hurts to tie my shoe. I can swim with no problems, but getting in and out of my car can be a chore.

I saw a doctor yesterday, who pronounced my (unnecessary, IMHO) X-rays perfectly clear. He diagnosed a weak hamstring and gave me a sheet of exercises to strengthen the offending area, with a two-month check-in date. I left the office less than comforted, because I didn't ask enough questions or point out my defenses, like:

• I was already strengthening before this injury
• Maybe a weak hammy is the root cause -- but something actually happened to my knee to make it hurt when it flexes sideways, or to make my knee sore the day after a run
• How do I know when to try to run again? I alternate between standing and sitting at work, and it's still sore. What would actual movement do to it?

And some pain is spreading to my hip flexor, but that might be a product of yoga moves gone wrong. UPDATE: my hip popped massively during a swim yesterday, and the soreness disappeared. I'm tempted now just to guess at possible causes -- and treatments. Did I hyperextend my knee without knowing? Do I have a minor tear somewhere inside? Would an MRI show anything? Should I take the alternative-treatment route, like acupuncture?

Weigh in, because I will listen. Speaking of weighing, if I go much longer without running, I'm going to throw away my scale -- because now, rather than maintaining endurance, I've been reduced to looping 10-minute kickboxing and cardio-blasting, better-booty-sculpting workout videos on the DVR. I just want to enjoy good food -- sweet or savory, doesn't matter -- and know that my regular workouts will take care of the waistline until it's time to really get in shape again.