Knees!!

[Janeyt22]

Hi, I started running again after years and got to week 2 without much difficulty. I haven't run now for a week as my knees and ankles are really painful. I'm desperate to get back to it but don't want to do any damage. Should I wait til they feel better? Keep going? Buy proper running shoes? All advice gratefully received!

[Hidden]

Proper running shoes will probably make a big difference. I would wait until they stop hurting and seek medical advice if they don't or it keeps coming back. That's assuming it's pain not aches and niggles from not having run before.

[Janeyt22 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Sounds like good advice. I did have a few knee issues as a teenager through playing netball, but did done running about 10 years ago for race for life and was fine. Maybe it's just not having the right shoes... and being 10 years older!!!!

[davelinks Graduate]

Wait until they get better, never run in pain, hopefully the pain will fade away with rest, but before you start back definitely get a pair of proper running shoes. Go into a good running shop and have a gait analysis and fitting..😊

[Janeyt22 in reply to davelinks]

Thank you. What does gait analysis involve?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Shoes first... most definitely .. then some gentle exercises to make sure all is well.. a few walks maybe and then back to it.. steady and slow!

[Janeyt22 in reply to Oldfloss]

Guess I just need to be patient, which I thought I was, doing a proper plan like this! Shoes it is! Thank you.

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

There are some who say that, when you're only doing the distances we are, you don't need to invest in good shoes. I have to strenuously contest this. I think that if you're a neutral runner with no old injuries or dodgy gait then perhaps you can get away with buying a pair of trainers off the shelf with no further thought. However! I am 44 and considerably overweight. I injured both knees when I was much younger trying to run (I'm actually running much further now thanks to this programme) and have always over-pronated very badly. Five years ago I broke two metatarsals in my left foot and am now completely flat footed - but just in the one foot. The result of all this waffle is that, for me, I simply couldn't run without my decent trainers. I tried. At the beginning of the programme I was wearing stability shoes but not "proper" stability shoes. I had to take two weeks out because I was getting so much pain in my knees and shins. Took the plunge, bought the shoes I should have bought in the first place and I'm now largely injury free. I say largely because I broke my own rule of avoiding running downhill - but that's my own fault. One thing I will say to make it slightly less expensive is to look for a good brand, a suitable shoe but one that maybe is not the most recent version. I have done this with my Brooks Ravennas. There are shops that do this and there are websites that do this kind of thing - I've used Start Fitness. I also have to wear orthotics - but a good running shop will advise you on these although you may have to go to a podiatrist too! But, if you're having pain now, please don't run as you risk making things much worse. Good luck - you'll be fine if you have a little break and get the right kit. I never thought I'd be able to run with my knackered knees but since getting my Ravennas I haven't had any problems with my knees!

[Janeyt22 in reply to RebeccaSK]

Thank you so much, I think I may have to bite the bullet and get some proper running shoes. Good luck!