Runners... Knee-related advice needed.
Discussion
Yo!
Planning on running the Peterborough half marathon in October this year, but I'm slightly concerned that "runner's knee" might flare up.
A year or so ago I developed what is *probably* (I say probably because the symptoms were never severe enough to be properly diagnosed by a physio) ITB syndrome. I suspect this is because I had started running again after a long time off, and simply overdid it. It might also be because I tend to run quite flat-footed. However, since last year the problem (stiffness on the outside of the kneecap, just below the joint, leading to an inability to run, which instantly disappears when I stop) has gradually eased off although my left knee has never felt 100% since.
Does anyone have any effective methods of keeping ITB syndrome at bay? Could I get away with strapping the knee up, bearing in mind that the problem is fairly manageable most of the time? I'm just a bit worried that I'll get to the ten mile mark and suddenly have to drop out.
Planning on running the Peterborough half marathon in October this year, but I'm slightly concerned that "runner's knee" might flare up.
A year or so ago I developed what is *probably* (I say probably because the symptoms were never severe enough to be properly diagnosed by a physio) ITB syndrome. I suspect this is because I had started running again after a long time off, and simply overdid it. It might also be because I tend to run quite flat-footed. However, since last year the problem (stiffness on the outside of the kneecap, just below the joint, leading to an inability to run, which instantly disappears when I stop) has gradually eased off although my left knee has never felt 100% since.
Does anyone have any effective methods of keeping ITB syndrome at bay? Could I get away with strapping the knee up, bearing in mind that the problem is fairly manageable most of the time? I'm just a bit worried that I'll get to the ten mile mark and suddenly have to drop out.
Get a foam roller and use that for your ITB's.....get a soft polystyrne one to start with as if they're tight it will hurt like buggery. Over time get a harder plastic coated one.
About 50 secs into this video is a demo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK5oPadWud8&fea...
About 50 secs into this video is a demo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK5oPadWud8&fea...
Physio, Physio, Physio........
As someone who has suffered terrible ITB stretching isn't the best... it isn't a muscle, massage & rolling on a roller is the best cure but you need to find the underlying cause which is usually either muscle imbalance or an issue with your knee (to name 2 common issues).
With regards to a physio, look for one that specialises in running or at least sports. Trust me on this after 8 knee operations it is worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later.
As someone who has suffered terrible ITB stretching isn't the best... it isn't a muscle, massage & rolling on a roller is the best cure but you need to find the underlying cause which is usually either muscle imbalance or an issue with your knee (to name 2 common issues).
With regards to a physio, look for one that specialises in running or at least sports. Trust me on this after 8 knee operations it is worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later.
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