Knee problems

I am having some knee issues and wanted to check in to see if anyone has any advice or has had similar problems. I will probably end up going to a PT but any advice in the meantime would be much appreciated.

So, I am doing a beginner's 10k training program. I'm only up to about 4 miles. Last week, after a 3ish mile run, my right knee felt really weird. It didn't really hurt, but just felt swollen and off - tight at times, and at others, too loose...if that makes any sense at all. It was the last day of a three-day period where I had probably been pushing a bit too hard during my runs. I had done switchbacks the day before and the day before that, I probably pushed my pace a bit too hard. I decided to take a few days off.
I started running again, but today realized that I should probably give it a rest until I figure it out. When I run, I am fine for the first two miles or so, but then it starts aching. Nothing super terrible, but enough to make me feel like I should stop. When I'm not running, it doesn't exactly hurt - just feels weird, as I described. It appears to be a bit swollen, but not very.

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Replies

  • stetienne
    stetienne Posts: 560 Member
    Look up Runner's Knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome--PFPS) and see if the symptoms match yours. I had this occur recently and have been working on strengthening the quads and wearing a brace under my knee with some success.
  • aostdiek
    aostdiek Posts: 23 Member
    Look up Runner's Knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome--PFPS) and see if the symptoms match yours. I had this occur recently and have been working on strengthening the quads and wearing a brace under my knee with some success.

    Just did google and forum searches and I think you're right on. Thanks! Did you take a break from running at all?
  • umer76
    umer76 Posts: 1,272 Member
    I googled the Runners knee but then I found out that my problem was little different. I started running from last month and doing quite well untill last week. I had a pain just below my knee cap where it connects to the shin bone. Upon further reading I found out that It is called Patellar Tendinitis or Jumpers knee. I am resting and using warm gel in the evenings. I dont have visible swelling but a constant pain all the time. Not sure what else to do with it.
  • stetienne
    stetienne Posts: 560 Member
    Yes, I rested it for a couple weeks and just walked on a treadmill with a slight incline. I found that the knee pain/weakness was more evident when walking/running downhill or down steps.

    I noticed this happened when Ibjumped up the length of my runs. I was doing the C25K app (where you run a while, then walk a bit) and then started just doing longer runs without the walking breaks. I probably just overdid it. So now I am slowly easing back into it.
  • aostdiek
    aostdiek Posts: 23 Member
    As it turns out, it wasn't my IT band/runner's knee. It is patellar tendonitis and also a "structural issue," according to my chiropractor. Apparently I pronate when I run and my pelvis, knee, and foot are all out of alignment. Hoping that the icing and adjustments help :/