Knee problems...

thehka
thehka Posts: 74 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I started having pain right below my left knee cap and off to the right about 2 weeks into my exercise of running every other day. I always stretch before and after but now I can hardly stretch my left leg because my knee will start hurting with a sharp pain. I've been chugging the aspirin for the past week and it hasn't helped. Anyone have the same problem or know any knee pain remedies through stretching or anything? I'm really bummed and annoyed with it because I can't do the higher impact exercises I've been doing for the past three weeks and I don't want to take a significant break to help it heal...

Replies

  • erinkeely4
    erinkeely4 Posts: 408 Member
    Try the knee circles (posted that on your status update).

    I also take turmeric, Jarrow's Joint Builder ( http://www.jarrow.com/product.php?prodid=124 ) and omega fish oil supplements, which have helped a lot.

    I had a lot of knee pain when I first started running, and I haven't had it in months!

    Also make sure you have good quality shoes that are made for running. I have Nike Free Run 2.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,990 Member
    I started having pain right below my left knee cap and off to the right about 2 weeks into my exercise of running every other day. I always stretch before and after but now I can hardly stretch my left leg because my knee will start hurting with a sharp pain. I've been chugging the aspirin for the past week and it hasn't helped. Anyone have the same problem or know any knee pain remedies through stretching or anything? I'm really bummed and annoyed with it because I can't do the higher impact exercises I've been doing for the past three weeks and I don't want to take a significant break to help it heal...
    Sounds like runner's knee or patellar tendonitis. Rest is what you need or reduce the amount of days you run. Time to modify for awhile since continually pounding it will only worsen it. And stretching doesn't reduce injury and could in fact (depending if it's static stretching before exercising) could have been the cause of the tendonitis in the first place. Rest up.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • monkeygirl351
    monkeygirl351 Posts: 33
    I feel ya! I'm dealing with pain in both my knees but my left is worse at the moment. It happened actually right around the two week mark too. I took aleve and still am. Mine was really bad all week that I stopped running and am just doing powerwalking with an incline. I went to the doctor on Thursday and she said that I strained the tendons in my knee. It is fairly minor, but no running til it gets better. She wants low impact cardio like swimming, stationary bike, or elliptical. She said the powerwalking is ok as long as I don't push it too hard. I took the weekend off and am really hoping to do my walk tomorrow, but might pass and just do weights if it is super bad. I am doing lots of leg lifts and side leg lifts and stretching my hamstrings. It is important to strengthen your quads evenly so they can help support your knee. I would also advise going to the doc before anymore running, cause if there is something bad going on, it could sideline you for months. If everything is ok, go slow, do the stretches, ice before and after exercise, and maybe get a knee brace. Take a good NSAID but don't overdo it. Also glucosamine might help in the long run. Basically like my vet/ boss says" mother nature makes pain for a reason, to make your rest what is hurting" so if it is hurting really bad, it might be best to take it easy for a few days.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,990 Member
    ice before and after exercise,
    Wouldn't ice before because "cold" muscle, tendons and ligaments are prone to injury if not warmed up.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Erica_theRedhead
    Erica_theRedhead Posts: 724 Member
    I know that you do not want to rest, but it is probably the best thing that you can do. I developed patellar tendonitis in my right knee, and like you, I refused to take a break. I was in constant pain for about a month, and it got to the point I was forced to rest it because the joint wouldn't bend properly. The tendon also is in a constant state of swelling. Now, it doesn't usually hurt, but I have about a 2 inch protrusion under my kneecap that hurts when I bump it, or if I do certain exercises with bad form. Please be mindful of what your body tells you. It is good to be sore after working out. But anything involving shooting pain, swelling, or pain in the joints is your body telling you to take a break and readjust your regimen. Best of luck!
  • Stephanie198907
    Stephanie198907 Posts: 163 Member
    the exact same thing happened to me at the two week mark of doing the running program C25K. At first I thought it was my weight, over 200lbs and then I figured it was my running form but im still not sure.
    my knee pain is in my inner left knee and tends to stiffen up if i sit too long. I can still do the elliptical machine without problem but that's about it.
    All you can do is rest your knee and wait for the pain to go away. try eating healthy fats to drinking water to keep the joints "lubed". if you live near a running store than i would suggest going in to have them analyze your running form and probably get your fitted with proper running shoes and insoles if you need them. good luck!
  • thehka
    thehka Posts: 74 Member
    Thanks for all the replies! I'm going to start taking the extra omega-3 just to keep the joints healthy anyway. I'll probably just concentrate on strength training this week and stay off the treadmill lol :( I'm sure I just strained something, too so as long as I know it'll be okay in a week or so as long as I stay off it, so be it! I just want this stupid weight off! hahah
  • DestinationFitnessChick
    DestinationFitnessChick Posts: 76 Member
    Resting it will help, but when you start back watch the miles. You didn't say how much you are running, but only increase your training miles by 10% each week. When I started running I developed IT band syndrome because I thought I was superwoman and started out running way too many miles. My legs were strong, but not ready for all that running. I had to wear a knee brace for quite sometime. I now wear and IT band that I bought at Target. I have very little trouble now, but I have been running for about 3 years. Look up IT band syndrome and see if this sounds like what you are experiencing, if not it is probably runner's knee. If it keeps up even with rest you probably need to see a dr. You can also google stretches for IT Band or for runner's knee. You should find lots of them. Make sure you are not doing static stretches before you run............there is no evidence that it helps, maybe start out by doing a slow walk and build up to a run. Also I cannot run on the treadmill, I always seem to hurt afterward. See if you can find a good outside route to run Hope you feel better soon.................resting stinks LOL

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