Runner's Knee?

c613477

I think I have runner's knee. I have been trying to ignore it and run less or put less weight while walking, but in the evenings the pain has increased and it looks swollen. I have been using ice and anti-inflammatories, but what else can I do? I am also lifting weights (Strong Lifts), just started last week. Should I give it more rest? Is at least weight lifting OK? Biking? Anyone has gone through this, how long did it take to recover completely and what did you do?

paxbfl

Where is your pain? Runner's Knee is typically below the kneecap in the middle of your knee. I deal with it often but can manage it with ice and rest. I generally don't run two days in a row - the other days I bike, do the elliptical and lift. Strengthening your quads is the best thing you can do for Runner's Knee. I find rolling and stretching seems to help too - make sure you get your quads and IT bands, they are likely very tight if you've got runner's knee. I find the condition gets better as my quads get stronger and as my weight goes down. If I slack on my quad work and gain a few pounds, it gets worse. Good luck - hope this helps.

Lleldiranne

I'd get it checked. There could be several different causes, such as ITB or arthritis(I've dealt with ITB, my husband with arthritis) ... and treatments may vary. In the mean time, ice and advil are fine, but be gentle on the knee. Physical therapy may help, at least learning stretches or exercises to improve it, but that requires a Dr first any way.

c613477

The pain is both on the inside of the kneecap and right in the middle and below the kneecap. Sometimes it extends all the way down to my feet (mostly after a long workout in the evening as I try icing it). Honestly, it is pretty painful, especially once I stop the run. I guess endorphins allow me to go through it?
I might have to do more stretching and if it still hurts (it has been about a month that I can remember), maybe I have to get a referral to a doctor. Which doctor would you ask to do? And orthopedist? Sports doctor?

cheshirecatastrophe

The most important thing to do is stop running until you see a doctor. Whatever the problem is, you are making it worse. In your case, I would probably see my PCP for a referral to a physical therapist, unless you can make that appointment directly. An orthopod probably isn't necessary right off the bat.

In the best of worlds, the PT will have some exercises you can do that will get you back to running *as* you heal up. But until you're on that road, don't run. You're making it worse. Bike or elliptical if they don't hurt. Walk if it doesn't hurt. But probably the thing to do is give your tendons the break they are crying for.

For runner's knee, I have good luck working on hip/glute flexibility and strength, since I am stiff and weak in those areas. The root of your problem may differ, though, so professional help is a really, really good idea.

LKArgh

Stop running or doing any work out that needs you to be on your feet (absolutely no lifting requring you to be on your feet, and definitely no sqauts or lunges) and get a dr appointment. I have suffered from injuries at the knees while running in the past, but nothing close to what you describe. One month of ignoring it and trying to push through the pain, you might already have done some serious damage. Unfortunately there are a lot of things that could be wrong with a knee, and even more serious injuries, like meniscus or the ligaments in the knee can start with "mild" symptoms.

c613477

Oh no. Running is my stress relief.

lulucitron

Yoga is the best I find for helping with joint pain. Agree that it can stem from tight glute/psoas/hips with tighten your IT band which throw your knee out of whack. I had jumpers knee from volleyball and wore a band below my knee but it's been better since I've been thoroughly stretching and strengthening the stabilizers in my knees and ankles.

kristinegift

You should definitely get it checked, and lay off the running/anything high impact/anything that aggravates the pain until then. I've had my share of knee problems, and it's not something I would recommend anyone ignore.

scottb81

c613477 wrote: »

I think I have runner's knee. I have been trying to ignore it and run less or put less weight while walking, but in the evenings the pain has increased and it looks swollen. I have been using ice and anti-inflammatories, but what else can I do?

I used to have knee pain all the time from running. Now I run more than 11 hours a week and my knees don't hurt at all. The secret for me was getting rid of high heeled running shoes and developing near perfect running form. Those two in combination greatly reduce the stresses on the knee when running. Over time my knees healed and now, at age 55, don't hurt in the slightest bit. Medicines just treat the symptoms but fixing your running form treats the cause.

For information on perfect running form google Good Form Running

lulucitron

scottb81 wrote: »

c613477 wrote: »

The secret for me was getting rid of high heeled running shoes

Interesting...so you wear a drop shoe running? I wear them lifting weights but wasn't sure about wearing them running as I pronate and need the arch support.

scottb81

lulucitron wrote: »

scottb81 wrote: »

c613477 wrote: »

The secret for me was getting rid of high heeled running shoes

Interesting...so you wear a drop shoe running? I wear them lifting weights but wasn't sure about wearing them running as I pronate and need the arch support.

I alternate between two different shoes depending on how I feel. One pair is vibram five fingers with 0 drop and the other is Brooks Pure Connect with a 4mm heel drop. The Brooks have some cushion and the vibrams have none at all.

If someone has never run in low drop shoes it takes time to adapt to them but the payoff is huge in my opinion.

cheshirecatastrophe

c613477 wrote: »

Oh no. Running is my stress relief.

Yeah. Taking time off for injuries sucks. But the sooner you stop making it worse, the faster you'll be back to it. You can accelerate that return by seeing a doctor to find out what's wrong and how to make it better besides just rest.

lulucitron

I have several friends who talk about the process of running with drop shoes...that it took awhile to get used to it but now they swear by them and one does wear the 5 fingers one. I love how lightweight they are.