Knee issues

[racheles78]

Hi all. I did W2R2 this morning and really enjoyed it. My problem is that over the last couple of days I've been getting a bit of pain in my left knee. Not so much that it's stopping me doing anything but enough to let me know it's there. That knee is a bit rubbish anyway after a fall I had ice skating a few years ago and can occasionally get a bit crunchy but doesn't often give me pain.

I really don't want to stop running because I'm really enjoying it and it's doing wonders for me in terms of elevating my mood etc but I don't want to risk further damaging an already rather dodgy knee. Does anyone have any advice? (I will go and see my GP if it persists but getting an appointment is a bit like finding the holy grail and if there's anything I can do to help it without involving them I'd rather do that)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it has links to a sports injuries page along with the basic advice that if your legs are feeling stressed then do all you can to reduce the impact of running. Slow down, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body not out in front, run on grass or treadmill and wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

Have extra rest days if necessary and do some knee strengthening exercises nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k...

Some aches are inevitable for a while but if they get significantly worse or persist then get professional medical advice.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I couldn’t run for 30 years after an injury that started on the ice... doctors told me not to run... and to never run on roads. Finally I’m running with my doctors blessing, my knees reacted badly at the start... I spent a week in a brace, and then a run later the other knee was in one and I was out of action. That was only a few weeks ago... now I’m running 28 minutes pain free... even on paths occasionally. If the pain isn’t stopping you, just keep an eye on it, and do some knee strengthening exercise on rest days... your knee is probably like mine were, weakened by years of not doing this... now it’s stronger than ever. Good luck.