Knee pain from running

SuLi · Feb 19th, 2008, 05:28 PM

Hi everyone!

I started running a few weeks back with the goal of being able to run half a marathon by the end of the year. I've never run before, and I'm not aiming to run in an official race for now. I just want to be more active.

I did a lot of research and reading, and also went to a running store to get fitted for shoes. Things were going pretty well until last week....

All of a sudden, I developed a pain in my left knee -- to the point where it was uncomfortable walking. I wasn't running long distances (about 2 miles per run...still trying to build endurance). I have flat feet, so I'm wondering if maybe I'm not getting proper arch support from my shoes? It's been a week since I ran and my knees still hurt. I do spend about 20 minutes stretching beforehand, and walk to warm up and cool down.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or should I go see someone?

Thanks!

aliciamarie · Feb 19th, 2008, 08:28 PM

Do you warmup before you stretch? It's a pretty bad idea to stretch cold muscles, so it's good to do a few minutes walk and then stretch if you like to stretch before your workout. I actually much prefer stretching after my workouts.

If you've taken a few days off to rest and it's still bad, I would consider seeing someone.

azhangie · Feb 19th, 2008, 09:56 PM

Are you one of those plp that run very loudly??? If you are then ur problem is ure putting too much stress on ur knees. If not, i'd suggest going to ur doctors and see if theres anything wrong.

-but yes, you should rest...running more will just make things worse.

QueenMaa · Feb 19th, 2008, 09:59 PM

You might want to go see a doctor it could be a pulled ligament. That's not serious I had one when I was in elementary school. They just gave me a knee brace to wear.

Zophie · Feb 20th, 2008, 02:37 AM

I used to run and when I started having knee problems I stopped and haven't run since. My dad used to be a serious runner and has had a knee replacement and walks with a cane now.

I think some of it is genetic, but either way, I wont' take the risk. You could benefit probably from taking a joint supplement though.

oliveray · Feb 20th, 2008, 09:24 AM

I had the same problem when running. My doctor recommended I take glucosamine chondroitin (hope I spelled it right) to rebuild cartilage.

riffraff · Feb 20th, 2008, 09:35 AM

If it's behind the knee cap then google "Runners Knee" - if it's below the knee cap and more painful when climbing stairs then try tendonitis.

I personally would recommend going for a "gait" assessment. This will tell you what type of runner you are (if you over/under pronate etc) and recommend the right type of running shoe for you or if you need any sort of insert in your shoe.

aklein · Feb 20th, 2008, 10:54 AM

Not to be alarmist, but you really should go to the doctor to get this checked out. It could be something relatively minor but it could also be something serious that could require surgery. Sometimes, you do more harm by continuing to walk around after an injury. Last fall, I tore my meniscus and I continued to attempt to train for a few days afterwards. My doctor told me that I was very lucky that I got in to see him when I did because I was very close to needing surgery. Luckily, I just had to do physical therapy. In the meantime, you may want to get a knee brace, to help provide your knee with some more stability.

bagaholic85 · Feb 20th, 2008, 11:43 AM

i 2nd the seeing a dr idea. but as someone else mentioned, its probably that your putting too much stress on your knees. i would opt for great shoes and a treadmill with shocks. the shocks absorb most of the impact of your foot hitting the treadmill instead of your knees.

abitobling · Feb 20th, 2008, 11:58 AM

I agree with a lot of posted. Don't run with knee pain! I'd see someone and get fitted for orthotics. I have flat feet and a family history of knee replacements and really believe this! Also agree that running on a well-cushioned treadmill can help.

lorihmatthews · Feb 20th, 2008, 02:16 PM

If you're having knee pain it could also be related to your IT band (attaches to the knee cap and runs up the outside of each thigh and then attaches to the hip). If you can get a foam roller and roll the outside of each thigh (put the roller on the floor and roll your thigh on top of it) it will stretch the IT band. Trust me it doesn't feel pleasant in the slightest bit but it has helped me with knee pain.

helenNZ · Feb 20th, 2008, 03:14 PM

hey SuLi, like you I've just started running... and over the last couple of weeks I've been pushing it a little harder... I guess I pushed it too hard on Saturday :o( My right knee is quite sore at the moment. *cries* My trainer asked me what the hell did do? I went for a run on the road - couldn't hit the treadmill since the gym was closed.
I haven't been for a run since Saturday, I've just been on the bike and crosstrainer at the Gym. My trainer said that I must stomp or push off too much when I run.
My advice is - just like everyone else... rest it up and if it is super super sore go see your Dr and if you're just watching telly... put some ice on it!
I hope you'll feel better soon - you're not alone! *hugs*

ellewoods · Feb 20th, 2008, 10:03 PM

I have loose knee caps so they get sore when I exercise. I wear a Tensor brand knee brace (basically a bandage, with an open spot for the knee cap, with thin strips of metal hidden within) for support. I find it helps a lot. Your doctor can tell if your knee caps are loose just by touching them.

SuLi · Feb 21st, 2008, 11:06 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I do warm-up...about 15 to 20 minutes stretching, and walking between .25 to .50 miles before I start running. And, I stretch afterwards.

I actually called the running store where I got fitted for shoes. The manager asked me to come in so that she could assess whether I was properly fitted. She was really helpful, and recommended that I buy these things called "Superfeet" and try running lightly to see if the pain comes back. She said that if it comes back, it could be a number of things (physically -- maybe one leg is longer than the other, etc., or the way I am running) and that I should see someone.

I am planning on running this weekend. My knee feels fine now, but I want to wait a few more days before I try it.

If I see someone, stupid question, what kind of doctor should I see? I've never had this kind of "injury" before. Thanks!

katlun · Feb 23rd, 2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuLi

Thanks for the advice everyone!

If I see someone, stupid question, what kind of doctor should I see? I've never had this kind of "injury" before. Thanks!

You should see an orthopedic.

Feb 19th, 2008, 05:28 PM	#1
SuLi Member Location: Washington DC Metro area	Knee pain from running Hi everyone! I started running a few weeks back with the goal of being able to run half a marathon by the end of the year. I've never run before, and I'm not aiming to run in an official race for now. I just want to be more active. I did a lot of research and reading, and also went to a running store to get fitted for shoes. Things were going pretty well until last week.... All of a sudden, I developed a pain in my left knee -- to the point where it was uncomfortable walking. I wasn't running long distances (about 2 miles per run...still trying to build endurance). I have flat feet, so I'm wondering if maybe I'm not getting proper arch support from my shoes? It's been a week since I ran and my knees still hurt. I do spend about 20 minutes stretching beforehand, and walk to warm up and cool down. Does anyone have any suggestions, or should I go see someone? Thanks! __________________ Getting married on October 2, 2008!

Feb 19th, 2008, 08:28 PM	#2
aliciamarie Member Location: NE Ohio	Re: Knee pain from running Do you warmup before you stretch? It's a pretty bad idea to stretch cold muscles, so it's good to do a few minutes walk and then stretch if you like to stretch before your workout. I actually much prefer stretching after my workouts. If you've taken a few days off to rest and it's still bad, I would consider seeing someone. __________________ Alicia Current wishlist: - Tons of Madison accessories! - Soho patent satchel in that to die for burgundy color. - Something op art

Feb 19th, 2008, 09:56 PM	#3
azhangie Piggy Fajita Location: I see cows and hills	Re: Knee pain from running Are you one of those plp that run very loudly??? If you are then ur problem is ure putting too much stress on ur knees. If not, i'd suggest going to ur doctors and see if theres anything wrong. -but yes, you should rest...running more will just make things worse. __________________ coffee addiction

Feb 19th, 2008, 09:59 PM	#4
QueenMaa Member Location: Michigan	Re: Knee pain from running You might want to go see a doctor it could be a pulled ligament. That's not serious I had one when I was in elementary school. They just gave me a knee brace to wear.

Feb 20th, 2008, 02:37 AM	#5
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Location: New Orleans, LA	Re: Knee pain from running I used to run and when I started having knee problems I stopped and haven't run since. My dad used to be a serious runner and has had a knee replacement and walks with a cane now. I think some of it is genetic, but either way, I wont' take the risk. You could benefit probably from taking a joint supplement though. __________________

Feb 20th, 2008, 09:24 AM	#6
oliveray Member	Re: Knee pain from running I had the same problem when running. My doctor recommended I take glucosamine chondroitin (hope I spelled it right) to rebuild cartilage.

Feb 20th, 2008, 09:35 AM	#7
riffraff Sofa King Blonde! Location: UK	Re: Knee pain from running If it's behind the knee cap then google "Runners Knee" - if it's below the knee cap and more painful when climbing stairs then try tendonitis. I personally would recommend going for a "gait" assessment. This will tell you what type of runner you are (if you over/under pronate etc) and recommend the right type of running shoe for you or if you need any sort of insert in your shoe. __________________ A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous. - Coco Chanel As long as you know men are like children, you know everything. - Coco Chanel Deep, deep inside the brain of every woman is a small bungalow in which lives a little lady who is totally obsessed with shoes and handbags

Feb 20th, 2008, 10:54 AM	#8
aklein Member Location: New Orleans	Re: Knee pain from running Not to be alarmist, but you really should go to the doctor to get this checked out. It could be something relatively minor but it could also be something serious that could require surgery. Sometimes, you do more harm by continuing to walk around after an injury. Last fall, I tore my meniscus and I continued to attempt to train for a few days afterwards. My doctor told me that I was very lucky that I got in to see him when I did because I was very close to needing surgery. Luckily, I just had to do physical therapy. In the meantime, you may want to get a knee brace, to help provide your knee with some more stability. __________________ Meez are scary, so back to the kitties ....

Feb 20th, 2008, 11:43 AM	#9
bagaholic85 Member Location: i <3 ny	Re: Knee pain from running i 2nd the seeing a dr idea. but as someone else mentioned, its probably that your putting too much stress on your knees. i would opt for great shoes and a treadmill with shocks. the shocks absorb most of the impact of your foot hitting the treadmill instead of your knees.

Feb 20th, 2008, 11:58 AM	#10
abitobling Member	Re: Knee pain from running I agree with a lot of posted. Don't run with knee pain! I'd see someone and get fitted for orthotics. I have flat feet and a family history of knee replacements and really believe this! Also agree that running on a well-cushioned treadmill can help. __________________ Looking for these Reissues (please PM me if you see one or know a store will be getting one) Thanks! -Matte Black Gold HW 225 (maybe226) (same or very similar color and hardware to anniversary edition) -Matte White 226 -Metallic Light/Bright Silver 224 &Someday...something pink

Feb 20th, 2008, 02:16 PM	#11
lorihmatthews Persian Love Location: San Francisco	Re: Knee pain from running If you're having knee pain it could also be related to your IT band (attaches to the knee cap and runs up the outside of each thigh and then attaches to the hip). If you can get a foam roller and roll the outside of each thigh (put the roller on the floor and roll your thigh on top of it) it will stretch the IT band. Trust me it doesn't feel pleasant in the slightest bit but it has helped me with knee pain.

Feb 20th, 2008, 03:14 PM	#12
helenNZ holy grail = CHANEL Location: Melbourne, Australia	Re: Knee pain from running hey SuLi, like you I've just started running... and over the last couple of weeks I've been pushing it a little harder... I guess I pushed it too hard on Saturday :o( My right knee is quite sore at the moment. cries My trainer asked me what the hell did do? I went for a run on the road - couldn't hit the treadmill since the gym was closed. I haven't been for a run since Saturday, I've just been on the bike and crosstrainer at the Gym. My trainer said that I must stomp or push off too much when I run. My advice is - just like everyone else... rest it up and if it is super super sore go see your Dr and if you're just watching telly... put some ice on it! I hope you'll feel better soon - you're not alone! hugs __________________ SEARCHING FOR: Balenciaga 06 Rouge Vif City

Feb 20th, 2008, 10:03 PM	#13
ellewoods Member Location: NYC	Re: Knee pain from running I have loose knee caps so they get sore when I exercise. I wear a Tensor brand knee brace (basically a bandage, with an open spot for the knee cap, with thin strips of metal hidden within) for support. I find it helps a lot. Your doctor can tell if your knee caps are loose just by touching them.

Feb 21st, 2008, 11:06 AM	#14
SuLi Member Location: Washington DC Metro area	Re: Knee pain from running Thanks for the advice everyone! I do warm-up...about 15 to 20 minutes stretching, and walking between .25 to .50 miles before I start running. And, I stretch afterwards. I actually called the running store where I got fitted for shoes. The manager asked me to come in so that she could assess whether I was properly fitted. She was really helpful, and recommended that I buy these things called "Superfeet" and try running lightly to see if the pain comes back. She said that if it comes back, it could be a number of things (physically -- maybe one leg is longer than the other, etc., or the way I am running) and that I should see someone. I am planning on running this weekend. My knee feels fine now, but I want to wait a few more days before I try it. If I see someone, stupid question, what kind of doctor should I see? I've never had this kind of "injury" before. Thanks! __________________ Getting married on October 2, 2008!