Advice desperately required. I think I'm broken.

[Pete1w]

I hurt my knee on a run just before Xmas. It's a sharp pain that causes me to stop running. After a disastrous start to 2019 I've been laid up with flu and still had this niggling knee injury. I went for a slow run this morning (first run for over 2 weeks) and had to pull up after about 4K. I've tried stretching, elevation, resting and massage but it seems nothing is working. I'm signed up for the Sheffield half in April and I'm having serious doubts if I'm going to be injury free or fit enough to compete in that. I'm worried that it may be something quite serious. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[orangeguy Graduate10]

Pete, I know the pain of an ongoing injury, I've had a ongoing hip flexor strain since early Nov. Everytime you think it's fixed and you try to start running again it's another mental knock back, it's really hard. Have you been to the doctors or physio?

[Pete1w in reply to orangeguy]

I haven't sought any medical advice yet. It clearly isn't going to fix itself so I think physio is the next step. I'm not sure if I got carried away at the back end of last year and did too much. I did wonder if it was a pair of new shoes I bought. Whatever the reason it needs attention. It's strange that I can run 3/4 Kms before it flairs up. And I went REALLY SLOWLY. Hope your injury gets sorted soon. Peter

[orangeguy Graduate10 in reply to Pete1w]

Yes, I think you need to know what you are dealing with, so medical advice is a good plan. I think my problem is fixed (and I say that very cautiously!), I did two 5k's and a 3k last week without a problem, my first week of 'running normality' so fingers crossed...

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Hi Pete, sorry to hear about your knee problem. I’d book in with a sports physio and take your shoes with you. They will be able to assess the severity of the problem and give you advice, exercises etc.

Did you go to a reputable running shop and have a gait analysis? If so, they should replace them for you if they are not right.

[Pete1w in reply to Dexy5]

I'm not convinced it is a shoe problem. Even with my old shoes it happens. I think that it is more a case of too much too soon. As soon as I'd signed up for the HM I really upped the miles. I think it is down to me I'm afraid.

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Pete1w]

Sometimes we learn the hard way. A sports physio will soon sort you out- mine was recommended by my local running shop. Good luck

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh Pete I’m so sorry. Yes I agree with the others and I think your next port of call should be your GP and/or sports physio. With any luck it’s something which can be quickly pinpointed, you’ll get some treatment and exercises, and you’ll know what you’re working with. 🤞

All the very best, and we’re all rooting for you! 🏃💪🏃‍♀️

[Pete1w in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you. It is so frustrating. I can feel all my hard work over the last few months ebbing away. I know I'm putting weight back on and I look at people running and feel insanely jealous. As I said the worst part is is that it's probably self inflicted....... I'll keep you all updated of any progress.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Pete1w]

Yes, please do. Good luck Pete. 🤞

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Oh no. Hope it's sorted soon for you. Yep good advice already posted here.,. Physio maybe the answer. Good luck 🤞🤞

[Snuffy_T Graduate10]

You could try a sports therapist instead of a physio. Good luck, hope it's sorted soon.

[Empem Graduate10]

Oh how frustrating and maddening.It's better to take stock now I guess.It's better to know exactly what the problem is and give it a name rather than think doom & gloom.You have already built up much strength which will, in the long run ( sorry , no pun intended) help you mend.Try and find a Physio that loves running! I know it's expensive though. Good Luck with it all.

[Pete1w]

Thanks all for the kind comments and advice. I knew you'd all make me feel a bit better.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Get it checked out....

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Like everyone has already said, getting to a sports physio would be a very good idea. I found when I first was increasing my distances I had some knee issues and did the knee strengthening exercises on the NHS site and they helped nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k... . Plus if you feel you did too much too quick, you may have some inflammation in the surrounding fascia that physio will work through.There are some great techniques for self myofascial massage but never on the knee if course, just the surrounding tissues. There are numerous torture devices for this (foam rollers,etc) but probably best to get to physio first especially with your upcoming HM.

[Pete1w in reply to SaskAlliecat]

At the moment the HM is seemingly a pipe dream. Unless of course I find a physio type person who is a miracle worker...

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Pete1w]

Jundal makes a really good point below. Heal first, worry about the HM second. You're registered but it doesn't mean you have to partake in it, or even run the whole thing. Get fixed first, see where you're at with your running as it approaches, then make a decision about it.

[Jundal]

First of all, the HM won't fall apart without you. They don't need you to do it so you shouldn't be pushing yourself to do it.

There's only one you, so you need to get fixed, but to do that the best thing to do is see someone that knows what's damaged first and foremost. Go see them, (I'd probably go sports physio myself. Last time I went to the Dr with a running injury, the idiot told me to take up swimming) and work out some kind of recovery programme.

And keep your chin up. You'll heal.

[Pete1w in reply to Jundal]

I hope I do heal but it seems like a long slow process...worth it in the long run I know.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

So sorry to read this - the others have all given such good advice. A good sports physio is worth their weight in gold. Whether it is an unlucky injury or the result of bio mechanics, they will be able to offer advice on treatment and exercise to help resolve the problem. As for your HM plans, remember that even if you don't make this one, there are many others so please don't give up on the dream! I have had a couple of nasty injuries over the last few years that both kept me out of running for several months at a time but we just work to get better and build up again. 'Every set back paves the way for a great comeback!' Good luck.🙂

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Pete you’ve done a phenomenal job so far and I’m sure there’s more to come. 🤩

It’s understandable that a run with pain will cause doubts, but once you’re able to see a physio I’m sure that will help to reassure you with the best way to get this knee sorted. Most of all, I’m sure that the journey is not over! You just need a little specialist advice on what to adjust at the moment. Big hugs!! 🤗🤗❤️

[Pete1w in reply to Fabulous450]

You're very kind. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Get it checked out.... then you will know what is what!

[Greenfingergran]

Go and see your GP. I had a similar injury which took about 6weeks to heal. Definately no running during that time.