Knee Pain

Ellem86
Ellem86 Posts: 204
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
I appreciate that you're not doctors but I'm wondering if someone has experienced the same type of knee pain I get after running. To pinpoint where the pain is I would best describe it as being just above the crease where the thigh meets the leg. So the left side of my right knee cap. Has anyone experienced this type of pain after running and did you have to stop running?

It seems to be less of a case of me reducing mileage (as I don't run often) and more a case of me not being able to run at all.

Replies

  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
    I get the same thing, but I've always had dodgy knees and the extra padding I'm carrying around doesn't help. :)

    If I'm doing high impact exercise I wear a neoprene knee support which does the trick. Maybe that'd work for you?
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    If all you are doing is running that will not add enough muscle to the leg. Maybe add squats and lunges to strengthen your thighs. I have had surgery on one knee and have arthritis in the other one now. Find a good leg workout to help. Running is hard on the knees.
  • Ellem86
    Ellem86 Posts: 204
    MrsM1ggins and GaveUp - Thanks for both your responses. I bought a knee support band which I've so far avoided using as it really restricts the movement of my knee but I guess that's the point so I'll try it out.

    My workouts are mainly strength based so lots of squats (but no lunges as they aggravate my knees). I run sporadically, say once every 4 weeks, but then have to stop as my knee hurts.
  • RunningAddict
    RunningAddict Posts: 548 Member
    I have experienced this alot. I find, for me, its mostly when I push myself to the limit that my right knee starts getting exhausted and painful. I really don't have any ideas for a cure to be honest. I usually will use athletic tape sometimes to give extra support. One suggestion that you might try is to back down a little from your usual and slowly work your way up. Hope it gets better for you! :))
  • TTHdred
    TTHdred Posts: 380 Member
    Definitely agree with strengthening your knee muscles to improve your performance when running. In addition, if you are not a big runner it may be more important for you to properly warm up and properly stretch after the run. After run stretches should be about 15min. And most people usually do their calves or shins and not their joints (knees, ankles etc), which are typically the weakest.

    How long have you had this pain? If it persist I would suggest getting it checked out to be safe. The last thing you want is to damage it more then sabotage your fitness efforts because you can’t workout for a long while. Happened to me.
  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
    Perhaps you could do C25K and buid up your runs gradually? I never thought I'd be able to do C25K with my knees but with the support on I had no pain at all when I started.

    (I did aggravate an existing achilles injury, but that's another story!)
  • Ellem86
    Ellem86 Posts: 204
    Thanks everyone for replying. I'm so impatient that when I do I just go for it and run for about 25 minutes without stopping. I guess if I really do want to become a runner I will have to warm up and stretch more as suggested and build up slowly. Thanks again.
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    MrsM1ggins and GaveUp - Thanks for both your responses. I bought a knee support band which I've so far avoided using as it really restricts the movement of my knee but I guess that's the point so I'll try it out.

    My workouts are mainly strength based so lots of squats (but no lunges as they aggravate my knees). I run sporadically, say once every 4 weeks, but then have to stop as my knee hurts.

    If all else fail.... speed walking is actually harder the running. That may help the knee issue, just won't help the mind issue. I know I would rather run too. I have a sports injury that has put me back for a while.
  • Ellem86
    Ellem86 Posts: 204
    I really don't think I could handle speed walking but I'm willing to try anything if it will help! I've always thought my warm up and stretching was adequate but after reading this page on the Cool Running page it now seems pathetic: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml
  • oldtyke
    oldtyke Posts: 149 Member
    How old are your trainers? It could be the arch supports have worn down, or perhaps you need to get some specific to your pronation/ lack of it.
  • Ellem86
    Ellem86 Posts: 204
    Hi, my trainers are about 18 months old however I use them mainly for Body Pump classes and strength work in the gym so I wouldn't have thought they need replacing. I ran outside for 25 minutes for the first time yesterday and prior to that have probably run no more than 20 times on a treadmill in the last 18 months. I had my gait analysed in a runners store and I'm slightly duck footed and my trainers are supposed to help with that.
  • jmgj27
    jmgj27 Posts: 531 Member
    Hi, my trainers are about 18 months old however I use them mainly for Body Pump classes and strength work in the gym so I wouldn't have thought they need replacing. I ran outside for 25 minutes for the first time yesterday and prior to that have probably run no more than 20 times on a treadmill in the last 18 months. I had my gait analysed in a runners store and I'm slightly duck footed and my trainers are supposed to help with that.
    I'd seriously consider new trainers. You should replace them every 300 to 400 miles or so. Also, if you don't have good trainers designed for running. I used to have terrible shin splints and got a pair of Asics. No more shin splints from that day on.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories