Twingy knee - shall I try a no run or small run?

[ReyC]

Hi Folks,

Looking for a bit of advice (with the usual understanding that not medical professionals etc).

I did my first 9k last Saturday, and felt fine. Did a comfortable 5k on the following Thursday - still fine.

Yesterday I was at a kids party and chasing my daughter around the field and swinging her about and felt a twinge in my knee.

my knees have always been a bit twingy but haven’t flared up for a while.

It’s still there this morning.. but not stopping me from moving or feeling too bad..

But I was going to try and do another 9k today.. which feels risky.

So my question is - do I rest it another day or try a shorter run?

Any advice welcome!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Not medical advice at all but if it was me, I'd rest it a few days and then try a short run, listen to your body and take notice, if you aren't sure then get professional advice

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

From the injury couch, no run! I’d just leave it today or have a walk instead. It’s not worth a flare which could put you out completely for a couple of weeks.

[ReyC Graduate10]

thanks MissUnderstanding and SueAppleRun - this is good advice. I’m sort of bummed at losing a momentum but you are both right, I stand to lose much more if I push it!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ReyC]

I’m trying to reframe recovery days in my head as an active part of being a runner, rather than a day off. That’s helping me stay motivated. I think about what I can do to help my body be stronger and better prepared for the next run-and not running when it’s best to rest is a key part of that.

A day off (or as many as you need) will help you come back better. Knowing when to back off is just as important (maybe more?!) as keeping going. It’s hard though!!!

[ReyC Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

yes, that’s a great way to think of it. For me running is always more about the mental effort of getting out the door so having a physical limitation is a new struggle! But getting to grips with that is part of the journey, like you said!

I hope your recovery is going well- hope you’ll be back at it safe and soon 🤞🏽

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ReyC]

Thank you-things are definitely going in the right direction. I’m keeping up the physio and enjoying some walks. Hopefully a swim in the next couple of days.

Enjoy your recovery time and your knee will thank you on your return!

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

As others have said Rest it !

It's not worth the risk of taking yourself out for even longer .

Another day or even a few is a far safer bet

[Dendev75 Graduate10]

Well done on running 9k! after having a calf strain recently I decided to do walking and other exercise for a couple of weeks before trying to run again. I waited (impatiently) until the pain was completely gone. I then used a calf sleeve support for my next few runs and I’m now running better than before - always listen to your body regardless of how frustrating that not getting out for a run can be. You can still keep active - good luck.

[Week7 Graduate10]

I'm with everyone else on this. Take the extra rest day/days.I have found in the past when following a training plan that a couple of days off when "life got in the way" actually made my legs feel really strong on the next run so you may even get unexpected benefits from a little extra rest!

Good luck whatever you decide!

[nowster Graduate10]

Rest up from me too. Better to skip a day or two rather than aggravate something small into needing a few weeks of enforced rest.

[GrumpyOldJogger]

As everyone else has advised, rest for at least one day, or more if needed. Can I also suggest that when it has recovered find some exercises - preferably via a physio - to strengthen the muscles and tendons around your knee joints? It's possible you've damaged a cruciate ligament or your IT band.

[Runninggirl59 60minGraduate]

Nooooo, definite rest and then slowly does it. Unfortunately I speak from experience! Good luck!