Knee pain

[Jonny3Kidneys]

W3R2 done today. Tuesdays run I experienced pain on the inside of my left knee. Just below the joint located N. East if the Patella is N. I believe it to be the Medial collateral ligament. Completed today’s run with a knee brace but no better. Has anybody experienced this? If so how did they overcome and continue with the program? I can’t get an appointment with the my doctor for a few days should I see a Physio?

[mrrun Graduate]

I did one better. I carried on running, the knee ballooned and THEN went to see a specialist. Forget about GP, that's not a specialist, that's a guy who will ask you to take painkillers.

Once the knee flared up that's mine 10 weeks off running.

Go see a physio, and pay whatever they ask you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Check out this for great info regarding injury and try these..

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k...

Rest up until it feels easier... If it does not.. see a Sports Physio

Do not run

[wyersmith Graduate]

What trainers are you wearing? If you haven’t had a gait analysis and some good running shoes yet, now might be the time. Don’t run too far in cr*p trainers. The right ones will be better for your feet, legs, hips, back, everything. Hope all’s better soon!

[Jonny3Kidneys in reply to wyersmith]

Thanks for concern. I have a pair of Karrimors!! Gait analysis? I had to google what it is. The systematic study of animal locomotion (human motion) and expensive trainers is not for the masses, C25K or for me, but I’m sure it would help!

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Jonny3Kidneys]

Gait analysis is for all of us, not some fancy stuff - ask any chiropractic. Bad shoes will lead to injury and perfect shoes don't need to be expensive, they simply need to fit. You knee issue won't go away unless you make changes and if you get injured and carry on as before, well......been there and it wasn't fun. Knee injury led to ankle injury which was even worse. Like I proper idiot, it was only then that l did gait analysis and got proper shoes. Since then I've been injury free and have completed half marathon.

[wyersmith Graduate in reply to Jonny3Kidneys]

Hi. Its just a suggestion and you’d probably be surprised how many people midway though c25k have done it and benefitted. Gait analysis is free at most decent running shops if you buy a pair of trainers. About £10 if you don’t. I started c25k in Karrimors too. Wasn’t until I treated myself to a pair of decent trainers that I realised I might as well have been wearing flip flops. I splashed out £88 on my new pair, early birthday present. I hate to think what state my feet and legs would be in now if I’d stuck with The Karrimors. But hey, totally up to you. Good luck!

[Jonny3Kidneys in reply to wyersmith]

Apologies mate. It just sounded like £100s to fitted with decent pair of trainers on top of being told i need insoles to correct fallen arches £300. I haven’t worked in 18 months. I suffered kidney failure but am post transplant 8 months. I’m just desperate to get back to normality. Thanks for the advice I will see my physio and pediatrist for advise

[wyersmith Graduate in reply to Jonny3Kidneys]

No worries. Sounds more technical (and expensive) than it is. Good luck with the plan and your recovery.

[iwmtb31574 in reply to Jonny3Kidneys]

5 years ago I paid £300 for specialist insoles for fallen arches, and they were very good. But then I found an amazing podiatrist who gave me exercises and off the peg insoles for £35.00. The podiatrist cost about £45.00 per hour and I needed 2 sessions. I would suggest finding a good podiatrist if you haven't got one yet.

[Bandahicup Graduate in reply to Jonny3Kidneys]

My physio said that you shouldn’t even think about running without having a gait analysis and getting proper fitting running shoes. I explained that I was just starting out but she said it didn’t matter!

[Donkeywhistler Graduate]

I have the same problem. You need to rest it and don’t run on it. Ice the knee morning and evening for 10 minutes whilst slightly elevated. Use a bit of Ibuprofen gel on it If you can after icing. It is important to let it recover before running, as running will set you back ea ch time.

[Jonny3Kidneys in reply to Donkeywhistler]

Sound advice thanks

[Agelesslass]

Try sports shoes.com, they talk you through gait analysis and their advice is helpful, also they have some fairly priced running shoes

[Jell6 Graduate]

Jonny, see a sports physio, they will assess your gait,and diagnose your knee issues. If you check my recent posts about my knee you will see that I had a similar experience.

It may just be a simple issue to correct, I saw the physio only one week ago, and I have just come in from a 30 minute run 😀

Either way, I agree with mrrun, a sports physio will be a better port of call than a GP, their knowledge of anatomy and bio mechanics is greater.

It will cost around £60/70, but you won't necessarily have to go again.

Let us know how you get on.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I just completed W5R1, up to now I have had no problems with my knees, however, after that run I did feel a very slight pain in my knee just at the same place that you noticed your pain, it did go away very quickly after the last 5 minute run, I will take it easy with the 8 minute run of W5R2, just hope there is no problem because of course, the 20 minute run is coming up on run 3.

[dswatman]

I would advise pausing training until you get medical advice. Our bodies hurt for a reason. I ignored a problem like this last summer and my knee became extremely painful 6k into a planned 23k run. To add insult to injury, I had to walk 6 k home. Turned out to be a problem in my hip causing my knee to turn inwards as I run. This twists the joint and enevitably tore my miniscus. I’m back on the C25k program building fitness back slowly and carefully. If I’d listened to my body I’d have eased back and got treatment earlier.

While waiting treatment try a low impact sport like swimming (but not breaststroke)

[KimLoulou Graduate]

I had that when i started, especially after runnig down hill. was fixed by getting gait analysis and proper trainers

[Jonny3Kidneys in reply to KimLoulou]

You were spot on with the downhill issue. Medial collateral ligament keeps the knee in place while descending by foot. Cheers

[Camalota Graduate]

I agree with the gait analysis and decent trainers. I was also getting knee and ankle pain until I sorted this out

[Kimyeo Graduate]

Hi

Definitely do not run until checked out by someone you trust, preferably a sports physio. My wife ignored a pain in EXACTLY the same place and did a session from week 2. She is laid up off work now for the 3rd week with no sign of recovery anytime soon. Torn meniscus.

We had already had gait analysis and spent a bit on good shoes each, so be careful don't take risks.

My next session is wk5 R1 and almost beginning to enjoy running.... keep it up but look after signs and pains

[vauny]

Don’t give up. Sounds similar to an injury I got early on. I wondered if running was for me even though I was enjoying it. Thankfully, I rested for a couple of weeks, got myself some knee supports and carried on. So far I have had no further injuries!

[Vixter34 Graduate]

I experienced similar pain in both of my knees, starting around the third week as well. I ignored it for a bit, then wished I hadn't as it did get worse. I took a couple of weeks' break and it did calm down. I went to have my gait analysed and got some "proper" shoes as I'd just been wearing some old trainers. I've also been doing strengthening exercises - search knee strengthening exercises on youtube, there's lots of helpful videos. I'm now on week 5, taking it easy and taking at least 2 rest days between runs but the pain is much improved.

From the research I've done, there can be many factors that cause knee pain and the best advice is to see a professional and get a proper diagnosis. But strengthening the muscles that support the knee, wearing the right shoes and listening to your body (i.e if it hurts, stop) would be my top pieces of advice. Good luck.

[Jonny3Kidneys]

Thanks guys for all the advice and support. I went to see a sports Physio this morning and confirmed my suspicions medial collateral ligament strain (both knees) cause most likely running downhill and backed up all your advice. Rest for a week, elevated w. ice twice daily and after each run, wind down the runs a bit and not so regimental with the program. He doesn’t do gait analysis and warned to be cautious about associated costs. Am booked to see a podiatrist next week as I have other issues with my feet and take it further.