Hi, I have just finished the 3rd run of Week 3 and I my knees are hurting when I run.

[YJB1]

I am 54 years old and have run before in the past, I did a half marathon in 2011 but nothing since for various reasons. I don't remember ever having knee problems before but while I am actually running my knees hurt - just a general pain, not so bad that I can't run and nothing very specific. The next day I am 'aware' of them feeling a bit achy but nothing serious. Please can someone further along the road let me know if this is normal and will pass? It doesn't feel like an injury as such so I hope so. I am wondering if I should repeat Week 3 until my knees get used to it again (assuming they will) rather than moving on to Week 4. I really want to make a go of it and get back to where I was but at my age, I don't want to ruin my knees! Thank you.

[SarahP0003 Graduate]

It may be your shoes so it could be worth getting your gait analysed to see if you need extra support somewhere. I had pain in my knees at one time but new trainers sorted it

[misswobble Graduate in reply to SarahP0003]

It could be just that you're new to running having not done so for a long time.

[YJB1 Graduate in reply to SarahP0003]

Hi Sarah, thanks, it's always good to have an excuse to buy new shoes! I don't think it's that, I am wearing the same shoes as before and they haven't done so many miles that they are worn out yet.

[fitnfiftyish Graduate]

I get knee pain, too - I'm a whisker away from 53. To be honest, I put up with it but, like you, don't want to ruin my knees! I did go to the Doc a couple of years ago (wasn't running then but new to exercise generally and my knees started to complain) but the Doc wasn't much help at all - a bit of a chocolate teapot, actually! I thought running might be better than the Zumba my knees were used to, but they're no different. I went and had a proper fitting for running shoes inc gait analysis, too, but still dodgy.Thinking of going back to the Docs just to get checked out...but I think it might be age creeping up??

[nduaj]

Hi,

I remember having a similar type of injury in week 4 of my Couch to 5K program. After doing some research I found out that it was a very common issue with runners called 'Runners Knee'. I tried being brave and ruining with the pain (I didn't want to loose my hard earned stamina) but it aggravated the pain a bit and made it worse.

I decided to take a break for 1 week only but after the break, the pain was gone and I didn't really loose my stamina. All I had to do was repeat the last podcast episode I listened to before the break.

I have completed the C5K program now and the pain has never come back.

I would advise seeing a doctor or do some research on 'Runners Knee' and see if that helps describe the pain you are experiencing.

Good Luck

[YJB1 Graduate in reply to nduaj]

Hi, it's definitely not Runners Knee and doesn't seem to fit any particular 'syndrome' described on the Internet. I am hoping it's just a case of getting used to exercise again. I might take a week off as you suggest, just to recover, and hope it doesn't come back. Thanks!

[getalifechuck Graduate]

I initially had the same problem and I did buy a better training running shoe for proper support to correct the foot contact and lessen the impact on leg joints and tendons. I also wore and still wear knee strap supports over my jogger leggings. At first you have the usual warm up niggle, but once those knees are properly warmed up, i.e. gently walked and then begin running at a gentle pace. Before you know it your running efforts become effortlessly, especially going up slight gradients. Another tip that I tend to do is look down towards your legs and see if your feet are straight and level pointed in direction. Another important tip is resting in between days but those rest days try and cycle outdoors or static bike indoors, to maintain good movement with leg ligaments and joints.

[YJB1 Graduate in reply to getalifechuck]

Thank you, if it doesn't improve I will try knee supports. I'm going to take a couple of days off running to see if that helps. I don't think my shoes are the problem, they are the same type of Aasics that I have always worn and have run half marathons in with no problems. I am hoping it's just a case of being a bit rusty!