Need advice for knee pain...

Steph70508
Steph70508 Posts: 110
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
Lately when I walk on the treadmill at any incline higher than 2.0 my left knee kills me! At times I find if I adjust my gait I can get it to stop but then the pain goes to my hip. I bought a knee brace and wore it for a couple of weeks, but it was a pain to adjust when I put it on. Has anyone tried glucosamine supplements? and if so did this help? Any comments are appreciated! :)

Replies

  • runningneo122
    runningneo122 Posts: 6,962 Member
    I started running a year ago and had trouble with my knees from all my years as a carpenter. I started using Osteo-biflex and love it. No more pain and now I'm running 7 miles a day.

    ETA: You might be having some trouble due to improper or worn out shoes. They won't look worn out, trust me. Running shoes have a designed limit of ~350 - 400 miles. Impact on the feet/shoes when running is 3X your body weight.
  • sicembears
    sicembears Posts: 77 Member
    What about moving to the elliptical for the time being? I found that it helped the swelling and pain.
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    Hi Steph,

    Where is your knee pain? Outside or inside? Back or front? When you look in the mirror when you're on the treadmill, does your femur track inwards?

    It could be something as simple as tight ITB (sorted with foam rolling and stretching)... it could be mechanical inefficiencies relating to the foot on that side (pronation/supination) which could be resolved through footwear or orthotics... it could be weaknesses in adductor/hip/glute muscles which could be resolved though remedial strength training...

    You should really see a physio to have a proper assessment. Sticking on a knee strap will do nothing other than mask the symptoms rather than provide you with a cure.

    If you want to learn a bit more about sports injuries and the knee, this is a good site.

    http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/knee_injuries.htm
  • Steph70508
    Steph70508 Posts: 110
    The pain is at the front of my knee. There are no mirrors directly in front of the treadmills to watch my gait, but I do notice when I use the elliptical machines I place my feet unparallel to each other and that feels more "right" to me than when they are in line (if that makes any sense?). I've tried new shoes and that didn't help. I was trying to get away with not having to go to a doctor about it.
  • runningneo122
    runningneo122 Posts: 6,962 Member
    The pain is at the front of my knee. There are no mirrors directly in front of the treadmills to watch my gait, but I do notice when I use the elliptical machines I place my feet unparallel to each other and that feels more "right" to me than when they are in line (if that makes any sense?). I've tried new shoes and that didn't help. I was trying to get away with not having to go to a doctor about it.

    By new shoes, were they a match for your stride/footstrike or just "new"? Proper shoes matched to your feet are essential when it comes to exercise and walking/running. Proper size is important as well. Your foot swells as you run and it is advised to get your running shoes 1/2 to a full size larger than your "casual" shoes. at first your feet will feel like they are swimming in them but it will help you to avoid difficulties and injuries.
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    The pain is at the front of my knee. There are no mirrors directly in front of the treadmills to watch my gait, but I do notice when I use the elliptical machines I place my feet unparallel to each other and that feels more "right" to me than when they are in line (if that makes any sense?). I've tried new shoes and that didn't help. I was trying to get away with not having to go to a doctor about it.

    When you stand really relaxed and then look down on your feet, does the foot on the side where the knee hurts "point" a slightly different direction, i.e. might you "toe out" a little on that side?
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