Pain back of knee from running (not behind kneecap)

Nicci93

So last week I started noticing a dull pain behind my right knee when running. It's not behind the kneecap and doesn't match the symptoms of runner's knee. It feels sort of like I pulled a muscle or tendon, but I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this?

I've tried googling the problem, and haven't found much information. I am going to start RICE, but I'm curious if I should also invest in a knee brace? (Or if those are only helpful for runner's knee)

Does a more experience runner have any advice? I usually run 3-5 miles at a time, and I want to start upping my distance but I'm afraid of further injury. Thanks!

sjaplo

Shoes are probably the culprit. When mine are due do be changed I get a pain on the inside of the right knee. How many km on the pair your wearing to run?

MeanderingMammal

Could be any one of a number of things, with several different types of treatment. I wouldn't go to a knee brace without significantly more investigation.

Have you changed your running recently? Surface, distance, total weekly distance, pace, type of session? Have you missed a stretching session? And as above, are your shoes worn out?

I'm currently suffering mild IT Band Syndrome following racing a half marathon whilst being a little undertrained.

Nicci93

I actually just got a new pair (when I get shin splints I know it's time to change them!). The one of the left is great, but the right does still feel funny even after the 20 miles or so I've put on them... probably a correlation.

Do I have to invest in completely new shoes again then? I think it's past when I can return them

RosieWest8

If you can go to a running store and ask there -- there are a couple good ones near me where the employees are trained to look at your gait and see if there's something going on to help suggest what type of running shoes are the best. I hope you don't have to buy new running shoes since they are not cheap though!

Is there a bump at all? Could be a Baker's Cyst or a really low hamstring pull? Could be a popleteal injury.... You may need to make an appt. with a physical therapist or something to figure it out or get some stretches/exercises that might help.

It's a little vexing that you're having this issue at 3-5 miles....I have never had this, but the only people I do know who have talked about it were people training for marathons (and at like 15+ mile runs).

Anyway, I hope you figure it out....I pulled my piriformis muscle a couple years ago and it put me out of commission for like 9months...so it's important to figure out what it is!

jrline

Shoes can be the issue. I have found that minimalist shoes are only designed for shorter runs or I have pain. For my longer runs I only wear better traditional running shoes. Running stores are great with helping to get the right shoe for your gait. Good Luck beware Running can be addictive you may be doing 15k or half marathons before you know you became addicted.

Cherimoose

You might be doing something differently on your right side vs. your left. Have an experienced runner or running coach watch you run. Next best thing is video yourself on a treadmill from behind.