Knee pain: Question for runners

I have mega knee problems, I had knee surgery when I was 12 and will most likely need it again on that knee and need it on my other. With knee issues, it is wise to use a brace, or some sort of support like an ace bandage. Also, you might want to consider the elliptical machine, the bike, or swimming....those are all lower impact on the knees. I have a friend who has been a gym goer forever, and her knees are starting to bother her, but it has to do with the posture of her body. You might want to look up proper running posture and see if you are doing it correctly

If I were you, I would look for some supplements to help the joints.I know a lot of people are using them and have great results.

As said: Brace. It will help stabilize your knee. Also invest in aleve if the pain gets bad on those certain days.
I messed up my knee badly a few months ago and I'm still paying for it. I went to a doctor and he told me it was just major bruising; advised me to strengthen my leg muscles. Quads, hammys, everything in the thigh area. Do a session for you legs during your workout. Lunges, squats, and star jacks will really help you out.
If you want to tie in running and strengthening your legs, find a huge flight of stairs and have at it. It'll really get your heart pumping.

Has anyone had any experience with pain like this?

Having the same symptoms as someone else doesn't mean you share the same problem.. so following what worked for them could lead you down the wrong path. I recommend getting it diagnosed by a doctor.. preferably a sports doctor or orthopedist. They might recommend seeing a physical therapist, who may give a customized exercise program.

Also assess your running form. This video gives some good basic pointers -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XiwtiDTlYU

And lastly - it's important to cross-train, even if your knees were fine, so i would diversify and look for other activities to do. like strength training, cycling, metabolic exercises, team sports, etc.

And lastly - it's important to cross-train, even if your knees were fine, so i would diversify and look for other activities to do. like strength training, cycling, metabolic exercises, team sports, etc.

^^This! You should really be diversifying workouts so you don't overtrain any part of the body. Running that distance that many days a week puts a lot of stress on your knees.

Also, how old are your shoes? If they show the slightest bit of wear, your foot will hit the ground at a funny angle. Generally, you should replace your running shoes every 4-6 months to make sure your foot is supported really well.

Last thing - Are you stretching after your workouts? Hamstring and hip flexor stretches are super important. And a sharp pain in the knee could also be caused by a tight IT band. To stretch: lie on the floor flat on your back, bring one foot straight up in the air, then bring the leg across. Pull the leg down with the opposite hand and keep both legs straight.

It might be worth seeing a podiatrist and having your feet checked to see if you need insoles. My son had problems with his knee, he's a strapping 17 year old, and it appeared he was over-pronating (hmm, could have that wrong) his foot which was putting strain on his knee. He now has supporting insoles and the problem went away.
Good luck!

I am 45 and run 3 to 4 times a week. My knees bug me a bit also, my doctor recommended something so simple... Fish Oil .. and glucosamine. I figured I would try the fish oil since its OTC and I want to keep running. Its helped a ton. I am not going to play the doctor here, but it worked for me. I haven't tried with the glucosamine yet. Good luck finding your solution.

I too have terrible knees that shift and have even dislocated a few times, so I went to a physical therapist. He told me to do things like squats and lunges and they have REALLY helped! They strengthen the muscles around your kneecap so it helps to keep it in place. Cycling has also been helpful, you can also get some flexible knee braces to stabilize them more

Agree with this. If you just started to run recently then unless you have been strength training, your muscles in the legs are weak. I had the same problem and went to physical therapy (useless), then started with a personal trainer who has helped me with stretching (I really wasn't doing any) and strengthening my lower body (glutes, hamstrings, and quads). Do strength training at least 2 times a week (squats, lunges, etc.) and cross train. Don't just do running.

Other things to consider: problems with joints other than the knee such as the foot/ankle/hip, shoes that are wrong for you, improper form, prior knee injury, IT band tightness. At 32 you are young for degenerative joint disease, but sometimes it runs in the family and can occur young.

Too rapid increase in speed/mileage can also cause some knee discomfort.

On a personal note: my ortho gave me the ok to run in August, and my first run (1 mile, 14 min/mile pace) my knee hurt again. I started with a personal trainer in October, and I am now running 4 miles at a time, with less pain than I was in August. Love the personal trainer--she is really getting my muscles into shape.

Good luck!

If I were you, I would look for some supplements to help the joints.I know a lot of people are using them and have great results.

Emergencey with Glucosamine !! works great for joints!