I haven't run for a whole week (for the first time since starting C25K in August) and I'm soooo miserable.
Last Saturday's run was great - a steady 35 minutes with Laura's stamina podcast over a familiar route (mix of tarmac and grass and mostly level). Then on Sunday while pottering around in town I got a burning pinching sort of pain in the front of my left knee - enough to give me a bit of a limp.
On Mon and Tues the pain wasn't there when I got up but came on during the day again causing me to limp. On Wed (ditching work shoes and opting for trainers) it felt better and except for a few niggles on Thurs and Fri it seemed ok.
I've also had an awful chest infection, so though tempted I decided not to try a short run yesterday. However on reading about knee pain I'd come across this useful article running-physio.com/returnaf...
and thought I'd try out the back to fitness tests it suggested. My knee was fine throughout and I was very happy that I could plan to run (carefully) today.
However later in the day - again while just walking about - I had some more knee pain (though not as bad as before). It did go off and this morning it feels ok again - but now I'm unsure whether to run or not. Given that the pain doesn't seem to be there during exercise but seems to come on after I'm guessing that some thing is getting inflamed as a result.
I know if I try to make a docs appointment it'll be two weeks from now before I see them.
I guess what I'm most worried about is that all the doubters around me told me that starting running at 47 wouldn't be good for my knees and I'm scared they're right! (My mum has had knee replacements in later life) I'm also really frightened by something putting a stop to me running because I've really come to love it. In fact managing my work stress this week has been much more of a challenge without running.
So do you think I should try a run? Or leave it another few days. Am also thinking I might see if there's a sports physio I could see (though this faintly terrifies me as I don't appear even faintly sporty!) - does anyone have experience of this?
Sorry to sound like I'm making a big fuss but my name's Deb and I'm a running addict. My last run was a week ago!
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Hi Deb - that sounds tough. I have had problems with my knees throughout and have found the running is actually strengthening my muscles which is making them generally better. So I don’t think (not a medical answer) that running makes them any worse if anything can probably make them better.
I might be daft but have had “discomfort” in my knees pre run and found like you that during exercise/run there is no pain. Not sure what the answer for you is but I hope things sort themselves out for you.
When my knees are causing me problems pre run I tend to go out and be extra careful about how I place my feet to try and prevent my knees twisting and be extra gentle putting my feet down until I feel comfortable.
Thanks Richard. I think I'm probably being a bit of a drama queen. Like you I think I probably need to go out and be a bit careful on it - I'm just keen not to do any damage. Ironically was going to start putting knee and hip strengthening exercises into my rest days as part of my 'Quest' for this month as felt they might start to complain now I'm running for longer. Just need to be patient I guess.
Congratulations on you 8k - I'm very impressed. You must have been buzzing!
Only you know how bad it is - don’t want to steer you away from IP advice either.
Re 8k - knackered is more the word I would use - ha ha - I think the longer runs are helping me to get my speed up a bit on the 5ks - I did 7k last weekend and then ran a PB 5 mid week. Probably spoke too soon will probably so really slow runs this week 😉
First things first. Most runners get injured at some point and have to take time out. As we run further/faster/for longer it's a high risk. We then have to learn how to fix the problem, take time out and be patient. This is hard because all we want to do is run. But we have to learn to do it.
I would suggest you see a sports physio because you want to get to the root of the pain. Try and get a recommendation. I've been to more sports physios than I care to remember and can tell you they're professionals who are there to help you so follow their instructions to the letter.
Ignore the people who tell you that running's bad for you, your knees, blah blah. You're a youngster at 47! In fact it's been proven that running actually STRENGTHENS the knees so keep running.
I assume you've got proper running shoes and you had gait analysis? And make sure you stretch not just after each run but every day.
And if it makes you feel better I haven't run for 10 days now. Went over on my ankle and it'll probably be another week or so before its right. But you know what? We're runners, running is for life and this is just a little blip. We'll get out again when we're ready 🏃🏃🏃
Thanks IP, "little blip" is what I needed to hear. I have been failing to shake off a flu-y virus infection for over five weeks now with a persistent cough. Trip to dr = steroids, chest X-ray & "don't over do it".
Thank you for helping me get "Grrr😡go away blip" into proportion. Time to get out a jigsaw methinks! 😄
Aw poor you. I had that last year and it was the worst I'd ever felt in my life. I didn't run for about 2 months because even though you feel OK after a while there's still lots of healing stuff going on under the surface!
Don't rush back and when you're ready try a short walk/run to test how you feel. But keep the faith, you WILL run again.
You are not being a drama queen in the least, and I for one related to so much you wrote in this post. I am coming up for 47 too, and have encountered some nay sayers along the way (one of them my boyfriend, but now he sees how committed I am and how much I enjoy it he is being very supportive.)
Niggles worry me too, especially as I find it easier to cope with work stress when I am running.
Keep up those strengthening exercises and take a rest from running for a few days I say. And if it doesn’t improve, get thee to a physio. They will not only help if it’s an injury, but will also try to work out why it’s happening and how to prevent it.
And don’t despair, your running career is not about to end even if it feels that way now. I had 6 weeks off with a hamstring injury recently, so I completely get your frustration. But I am running again now and for 30 minutes again. It’s tough, but patience is crucial, and as the lovely IP says, all runners experience injuries now and again. It’s how you deal with them that counts.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and resolution to this frustrating knee niggle!
Thank you so much Sadie - I'm so glad someone gets the frustrations of not being able to run.
Folk around me are really supportive but don't understand how frustrating it is to think you can't get out there. And everyone (who doesn't run) went on and on about joint damage before I started so I guess I've let myself become a bit fatalistic about it (and without being able to run my ability to work through my usual doomsday scenario go to is inhibited too 😂).
Today am holding onto the thought of how far I've come since August with hardly a twinge after the first few weeks 'shock to the system' aches and pains.
I can do this thing...I just need to find my patient self!
Hi Fitter 40s, sorry to hear this. I think IP has given you great advice as have the other replies.
When you first had the pain you were in town, ( in shoes?) and you mention your work shoes being an issue. I feel that someone has mentioned problems with knee pain before caused by wearing a heel, and wearing flat shoes helped them.. just wanted to throw this into the mix in case it helps.
I do believe a sports physio will be your best option, but it wouldn't hurt to see if this helps.😊..
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