Severe Knee and Inner Thigh Pain

I have been having serious knee and inner thigh pain. I stretch for about 10 minutes every day before I run. Do anyone have any suggestions on this problem? Could this be a sign of Arthritis or tendinitis? I am only 30 years old, I experienced these pains years ago but that was when I was not active but now I am active. I run about 15 miles per week and walk about 8 miles.
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Replies

  • FrnkLft
    FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
    Were you running before without the pain? What shoes do you run in, and how old are they? Did you just switch shoes?

    When you stretch, is it cold, or after a little bit of a warmup?
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    When you stretch, are you doing just static stretching or dynamic stretching? Do you stretch afterwards? Do you do a brisk walk to warm up before you really get into the run?
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    I had no pain before I started to run, the pain started after I ran and continues through out the day now. I have new balances, I bought them new but not from the store a friend sold them to me. I wear the same shoes and have worked out in them over a year. I stretch inside the house.
  • tindy5799
    tindy5799 Posts: 221 Member
    look up some knee rehab exercises and do them, and hip ones, that will fix your alignment.

    Or better yet, go see your doctor or orthopedist.

    As someone whose had 3 dislocated knee caps in 2 years, knee problems are not a joke all of mine started with pain and weird tightness on my inner thigh leading up from the knee.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    I do not do a serious stretch, I do only a ten minute stretch, which I may not be even doing that right. I run sometimes before I do a warm-up walk.
  • I've had various leg pains due to weakness of muscles that are important for running, but which aren't built up by walking. Working on improving the strength of all of those muscles has really helped me. Maybe consult a physical therapist if you can, or look into runner-specific strength training online?
  • LishieFruit89
    LishieFruit89 Posts: 1,956 Member
    Get better shoes properly fitted for you instead of a friends cast offs.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    Did the pain start up near the inner thigh closer to the femaile area? That is where my pain is at also.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    Get better shoes properly fitted for you instead of a friends cast offs.
  • When I was about 40, my doctor warned me that I should not run, or I would hurt my joints. He recommended walking instead. I ignored his advice, and sure enough ended up with very painful knees, limping, and limited mobility. Finally after several years I'm getting over that. I'm walking and swimming for exercise and I highly recommend both. If I were you, I would stop before it gets worse, and consult a physician.

    I was older than you are now, and probably a lot heavier. But the knee pain was awful and I would do whatever it takes to avoid that.

    If you do have pain, ice is your friend.

    What I hear is that you should warm up before you stretch.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    Thanks all thsi was some good information. My husband mention that I may need better shoes. I will try all the above before I check in with a doctor.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    You are right! I may need to stop running for a while until I can figure out what the problem is. It is just hard for me to except that I am 30 years old and facing these problems.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Thanks all thsi was some good information. My husband mention that I may need better shoes. I will try all the above before I check in with a doctor.

    If it is "Severe" (as you've worded it), I would not wait to go see a doctor. You may actually need to take a break and rest. Please go see your doctor now instead of possibly aggravating the issue worse.
  • geerunz
    geerunz Posts: 163 Member
    Could be several things, pulled groin, IT band issue, knee. Go get properly fitted for running shoes if you are going to continue runnig, in the mean time take a week or two off and rest and ice the areas that hurt. After a short break if they still hurt go to a doctor.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    Where do you get fit for running shoes? I live in Dallas, Texas.
  • LishieFruit89
    LishieFruit89 Posts: 1,956 Member
    Where do you get fit for running shoes? I live in Dallas, Texas.

    http://lmgtfy.com/?q=running+stores+dallas+tx
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    I've had various leg pains due to weakness of muscles that are important for running, but which aren't built up by walking. Working on improving the strength of all of those muscles has really helped me. Maybe consult a physical therapist if you can, or look into runner-specific strength training online?
  • skydivelife
    skydivelife Posts: 83 Member
    95% of clients who come to me with knee pain have a muscular imbalance.

    Most people who run overuse their quads (Fronts of their legs) and under-use their butt and hamstrings (backs of legs). If you never sprint, you can have a weak deep pelvis.

    The doc is going to tell you to do one of a few of the following

    1. Stop running
    2. Take Ibuprofen
    3. Tell you you have arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis - something that ends in -itis
    4. Tell you you're weak.

    seriously, 95% of the time, it's imbalance. I've helped people who have had knee pain for 5-10 years just by rebalancing them!!

    Find a GOOD trainer in your area or a physical therapist friend who can help you rebalance. I always train my clients with 1/3rd MORE exercises for the backside than for the front. For example:

    3 sets, 15 reps squats
    4 sets, 15 reps hamstring curls

    3 sets, 15 reps step-ups
    4 sets, 10 reps Bridges

    Then I would have them foam roll their IT band and hips.

    Hope that helps :)

    Nate
    Trainbetter.org
  • skydivelife
    skydivelife Posts: 83 Member
    p.s. The "running shoe" idea is OK but not ideal.

    Shoes that are "Fitted to your foot" are designed to hold your foot on straight instead of crooked. Ideally, I try to get my people in a position where their muscles can hold them in place rather than shoe support.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    95% of clients who come to me with knee pain have a muscular imbalance.

    Most people who run overuse their quads (Fronts of their legs) and under-use their butt and hamstrings (backs of legs). If you never sprint, you can have a weak deep pelvis.

    The doc is going to tell you to do one of a few of the following

    1. Stop running
    2. Take Ibuprofen
    3. Tell you you have arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis - something that ends in -itis
    4. Tell you you're weak.

    seriously, 95% of the time, it's imbalance. I've helped people who have had knee pain for 5-10 years just by rebalancing them!!

    Find a GOOD trainer in your area or a physical therapist friend who can help you rebalance. I always train my clients with 1/3rd MORE exercises for the backside than for the front. For example:

    3 sets, 15 reps squats
    4 sets, 15 reps hamstring curls

    3 sets, 15 reps step-ups
    4 sets, 10 reps Bridges

    Then I would have them foam roll their IT band and hips.

    Hope that helps :)

    Nate
    Trainbetter.org
  • aliencheesecake
    aliencheesecake Posts: 569 Member
    I do not do a serious stretch, I do only a ten minute stretch, which I may not be even doing that right. I run sometimes before I do a warm-up walk.
    Try dynamic stretching (Stretching using movements, like toe touches, etc) instead of just standing and stretching.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    I sometimes beleive that it is something with my mussles. I wonder do I not eat enough protein, I am too young to be feeling like this. I am alot less active than I was in my early 20's. I kind of slowed bown at 25 years old and I am not as active as I use to be. I went to the doctor a few years ago and gave the doctor a quick explanation and he said the pain was from sitting all day on the job and not being active but when I got active hear come the knee and leg pains.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    I do not do a serious stretch, I do only a ten minute stretch, which I may not be even doing that right. I run sometimes before I do a warm-up walk.
    Try dynamic stretching (Stretching using movements, like toe touches, etc) instead of just standing and stretching.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    Sqats are so easy to do but beleive it or not they kill my knees. My knees takes the enjoyment away from excercing. I know that I could do a whole lot more but these knees are mines will not let me.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Sqats are so easy to do but beleive it or not they kill my knees. My knees takes the enjoyment away from excercing. I know that I could do a whole lot more but these knees are mines will not let me.

    Honestly, when I started squatting and lunging, I faced the same issue. But it turned out it's because my knees were weak. Now, I can do them (and weighted) no problem. (In regards to knee pain, that is).

    Maybe consider some of these techiniques?

    http://bretcontreras.com/knee-valgus-valgus-collapse-glute-medius-strengthening-band-hip-abduction-exercises-and-ankle-dorsiflexion-drills/
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,031 Member
    I do not do a serious stretch, I do only a ten minute stretch, which I may not be even doing that right. I run sometimes before I do a warm-up walk.
    Unless it's dynamic stretching, stretching used as a warm up isn't recommended.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    Thanks you I will check this out after work.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    I do not do a serious stretch, I do only a ten minute stretch, which I may not be even doing that right. I run sometimes before I do a warm-up walk.
    Unless it's dynamic stretching, stretching used as a warm up isn't recommended.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I don't think all static stretching for warm ups is necessarily bad. I do Limber 11 or Simple 6 as warm ups (depending on what I'm doing that day and both incorporate a few static type stretches). I've felt a lot better doing these than from my prior dynamic stretching routines I've done.
  • PLoveElliott
    PLoveElliott Posts: 114 Member
    I have had knee problems for about half of my life. First and foremost I highly suggest you go to your doctor. Your GP more than likely won't be a great help so I recommend looking for an ortho. While you wait for that appt you should find a local place that checks your gait. Suggestions on the best shows will then be given to you. Stretching is good (glad you do it).... make sure that you are getting your IT bands and hip flexors. Taking a few days off might not be a bad idea...especially if the pain continues before you can get into the doctor.
    Good luck! Hope that you heal quickly.
  • Waggoner83
    Waggoner83 Posts: 112 Member
    I maybe need to do some research on stretching because I may not even be doing it the way that I should. I am running more now than I ever have in my life and by me getting older that can be a major factor.