Ouch, aah, b**locks! Knee pain running...

Ouch, aah, b**locks! Knee pain running...

Author
Discussion

carreauchompeur

Original Poster:

17,850 posts

205 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
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Just been out for what was supposed to be a 4.5 mile run but ended up being abandoned at the 2-mile mark since I had a sudden fairly sharp pain in one knee. Tried to jog again a few times but the pain continued so I walked home.

I'm fairly sure it's a pulled muscle or something, not anything more sinister as there is no pain otherwise. I've recently started back to running a bit more...

In short, do I...

1. Get a knee support
2. Get some new trainers
3. Gently run in a couple of days time and see how it goes.

Option 2 is there because I have some properly fitted but now distinctly long-in-the-tooth Sauconys. I will replace them at some point but £80 is a lot to fork out!

Digger

14,696 posts

192 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
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Find out what you have done to the knee BEFORE knackering it completely! Simple advice I know!

goldblum

10,272 posts

168 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
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Was the pain muscular or did you feel it came from the kneecap itself?

carreauchompeur

Original Poster:

17,850 posts

205 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
quotequote all
Not sure, if I was to be pressed I'd probably say kneecap itself.

I did have problems with my knees many moons ago, which was diagnosed as some sort of muscle imbalance. Just don't really want to get into a lengthy cycle of physio for negligible gain if I can gently carry on and hopefully build the muscles up again.

Pleasingly, after 2 miles I didn't have back pain, which has been dogging me!

goldblum

10,272 posts

168 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
quotequote all
Good news on the back pain then!

Let your knee rest for two weeks and use a stationary bike/swim if you feel the need for some light aerobic exercise.

When you next run make sure you run less than 2 miles. If you have no pain then increase the distance very gradually.

If the pain returns find yourself a physio who can do gait analysis - the physio will film you on a treadmill then run a motion analysis program which might reveal why your knee is painful.

It's most likely the pain is a result of pushing too hard too soon and it will clear if you're careful.

carreauchompeur

Original Poster:

17,850 posts

205 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
quotequote all
Goldblum,

Thanks very much for some sensible and pragmatic advice. To be honest I was surprised how quickly I've managed to up the mileage in the last couple of weeks and this is clearly the payback...

I will rest accordingly, my knee is now very "twingy" so it's a good reminder. Luckily I've just joined a gym with a pool so have got some alternative avenues of exercise!

Sam

goldblum

10,272 posts

168 months

Tuesday 6th November 2012
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You're welcome, I'm sure you'll be back running soon.

carreauchompeur

Original Poster:

17,850 posts

205 months

Monday 7th January 2013
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Thanks again for the helpful advice. Sure enough I gave it 3 weeks and gently started back and the sharp pain is gone.

I've managed to pick up some (correct) Saucony trainers to replace my knackered old ones and am running about 3 times a week between 2.5-3 miles. I'm getting the odd twinge here and there but my legs seem to be building up strength again so I'll stick at the current mileage for a while.

Was planning to do the Bristol 10k in May but realised I'm in the Scilly Isles that weekend for the gig rowing World Champs so will have to find some other goal to aim for!

alfa phil

2,100 posts

208 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
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google IT band

hyperblue

2,802 posts

181 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
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alfa phil said:
google IT band
If it is, pain would be on the outside of the knee - I'm suffering from this at the moment! frown

JCW

905 posts

208 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
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Could be ITB syndrome which I'm suffering from but as I'm seeing an Orthopaedic Surgeon in a couple of weeks I'll let you know how I get on. Does this pain immediately cease once you stop running allowing you to walk without pain? If so, it could be ITB and the only solution is support and incrementally increasing your distance - if you're lucky. I'm not and haven't been able to run for three months!

Regiment

2,799 posts

160 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
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Look at barefoot running, no pressure on your knees and I'm running further and faster than ever and actually enjoying it.

rudecherub

1,997 posts

167 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
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Back in the day the School Doctor called it painful knee syndrome.

+1 Barefoot running

Here's an exercise that helped me.

Sit on the floor back against the wall, legs straight out.

Flex the thigh muscles so the knee cap moves. Repeat say 30 X

Juanco20

3,214 posts

194 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
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Are we talking about completely bare foot?

0000

13,812 posts

192 months

Thursday 10th January 2013
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Yes, if you trust what you're running over. Something like Vibram FiveFingers or Merrell trail gloves if there might be dog crap!

+1 for barefoot.