Joint or muscle pain?

[Kirsty112]

Wk2, R1.....

So, on Tuesday I finished week 1, and in my last run of that week I started with pain on the inner sides of my knees..... took painkillers when I got back, yesterday, they were still pretty sore, but today as I had cushioned trainers on (Nike Air so have have the air sole at the back), I went the full day with no pain. So wk2, r1 tonight and as soon as I started the first run the pain was instant, although I felt like it was possibly going down the back of my knee and inner side of my calf, in turn this has slowed down my pace and shortened my gait, then on last run section I felt like me knees and ankles were going to give way!!

Knee trouble runs in my family in mum and dads side, so my question is.....

Do you think this is just muscle Pain and I should try the knee strengthening exercises, or does it sound like something more?

I’m enjoying this so far, apart from the pain, but I know if I need to take a break from it..... it will be a permanent break as once I stop something, I never get back into it😢

Advice appreciated.

Thanks

[telford_mike Graduate]

The exercises can’t do any harm, but if this continues I think I'd be having a word with a physiotherapist. Hope you can get it sorted out.

[Kirsty112 in reply to telford_mike]

Thank you.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Could be worth getting it checked out. You may need physio advice on this. Aches usually grumble, instant pain I don’t like. Knee strengthening will be required if there’s a problem, so you may as well look at it now. The difference in shoes may mean it’s time for gait analysis too. Nike Air and similar are good shock absorbers if your footfall is right for that particular pair.

[Kirsty112 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks. The trainers I wore today were just for work.... I did get a new pair of runniMy trainers which I had on tonight..... do you think I should keep with it and see if it eases off, but also make appointment with physio, or rest? I really don’t want to stop as I said.... as I know I’ll not start again! Also..... where do I go to get a gait analysis done?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Kirsty112]

I have had bad knees since an ice hockey injury and have learned to test them before trying anything. I do very short flat jogs, literally 20 yards, then same again up and down short shallow inclines. If they pass that I add a couple of flat sprints as the footfall is harder. If I get through that my knee is ok... but if I feel instant pain on any of them I’m back for medical advice, that naturally I ignore, but I do the physio after!

Recently I injured my right knee again and thanks to a tip on here I got knee braces from Lidl for £6 each. I’m back on the plan and still using a brace to run. Your local store may have some left, they came out last Thursday. That said, you then have to do knee strengthening exercises as the run strengthens the other knee more.

Edit: I avoid painkillers, as they mask the pain when further damage is occurring. Anti inflammatories however can help a lot... ibuprofen has been a help

Hope this helps.

[Kirsty112 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Okay..... thanks.

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Kirsty112]

For gait analysis, the best place to go would be a physio with a treadmill but, failing that, a specialist running shop with a member of staff who is a runner. There may be a small charge for the gait analysis (mine was £20) which is then deducted if you purchase some new shoes. But there is the advantage of being able to try lots of different types of shoe to see how they feel. My pair are almost identical to my self-selected trail-runners, except they had a more flexible sole and less grip BUT my knees felt so much better for that small adjustment! Well worth it 😁

[Kirsty112 in reply to Equi-geek]

Okay..... thanks.

[Dzhn]

Ok I'm no medical bod but could be tendonitis a sign that you definitely need gait analysis. I had it wk 2/3 and fit new stability trainers and it improved almost instantly. Mine was like burning pain below the knee on the inside

[Kirsty112 in reply to Dzhn]

Yes a little like that, but when I stop running or sitting down the pain stops, only when I get back up and moving around it hurts...... and this morning I’m hobbling around like an old lady...... particularly sore when negotiating stairs😢 and I’m supposed to be running again tomorrow morning.

[Dzhn]

I'd maybe leave it another day of rest, apply ice packs, look into gait analysis and get it done asap

[APScotland Graduate]

Hi Kirsty, I had "runner's knee" in my twenties and did knee strengthening exercises to help me keep going. In my late 50s I've had all kinds of knee issues but a physio helped get me going again with specific exercises to strengthen my hips, knees and back. I now do squats and deadlifts every week which really sorted them out. Now I do yoga too and my knees are better than they have been in years. Do see a good physio to set you on the right track. And you could also apply ice to your knee after running to minimise inflammation. Good luck!! x