Runner's Knee?

jo_marnes

Ever since I started exercising a few years back I have experienced knee pain. Not during exercise, but at random times, often during a long car journey or at the cinema - i.e. when sitting still for a long time.

Lately, I have increased my running (half marathon training) and for the first time the other day I experienced the pain (although they often feel tight) during a run. I stopped, stretched and was able to carry on, but it's the first time I have experienced pain enough to actually stop me running.

I have since googled it and it seems very characterisitc of 'runner's knee'. Has anyone else had this and knows what to do about it? I don't want to stop running - 7 weeks until my half marathon! I also tend to have overly tight hamstrings and hip flexors. I have had running shoes measured to fit, although I went to 3 stores and was told different things in each (helpful!). In the end I went with what I felt was the most comfortable.

Advice appreciated! xxx

Chenoachem

I had Runner's knee for a bit. My PT and Dr. told me it was due to overly tight hamstrings. Try stretching them lightly 1-2 times a day.

sophieshaped

I'm the same, have just increased my training for a half and am suddenly getting pain. Although it's sometimes in my whole left leg. Eek! Any advice? I'm not sure I'm warming up properly.

Hope you get this sorted Jo!

carpar1

Knee rehabilitative exercise - backwards running is the perfect knee rehabilitative exercise because it can maintain an athlete’s cardiovascular fitness levels whilst minimising the impact at the knee joint (see above). Furthermore, backward running develops muscles along the sides of the knee and this actually strengthens the knees over time. Other conditions that could respond well to backward running include shin splints and muscle sprains to the lower back, groin and hamstrings.

jennyocox

Hey. I have it too. I've been icing it after running/walking/exercising, for 15 mins, using a compression bandage (although I don't always find this helps). I've stayed off it completely now for 5 days (today) and I'm planning on heading out for a run on it again tomorrow. Fingers crossed all will be well. I also found using the homeopathic remedies Arnica (for bruising) and Rhus Tox (for joint pain) helped somewhat also.

RMinVA

There can be any number of actual causes for "Runner's Knee." For now use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). You might want to get it looked at though.

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/runners-knee

I went to the doctor a few weeks ago due to "runner's knee" and found out that I actually have a couple of small bone spurs. While the pain may go away the bone spurs will not. I've had to take a few weeks off of running, but am hoping to get back at it this week.

Make sure you are working recovery weeks into training, and increase mileage by no more than 10% each week.

lovejoydavid

I think most otherwise healthy people experiencing patellofemoral pain with half training will find, in the end, that they just increased mileage too fast. This might be especially true for women due to the Q angle. That being said, it might be worth a visit to a sports doc, or PT, to see if there is crepitus, or patellar malalignment/tracking, as these can contribute to chondromalacia.

jo_marnes

Thanks all - unfortunately it seems as though there are a lot of us :-(

I don't know what I should do (many different types of advice). Prob should see a professional. Have to see what's covered by my insurance!! Grrr fed up :-(

rybo

I dealt with a minor bout during marathon training, I rested & iced it a lot. It was still lingering when I went to the chiropractor for what seemed at the time unrelated minor back pain. Almost instantly after being adjusted, the pain when I ran went away. I believe it ended up being my back, that was slightly altering my stride, causing the knee pain.