Advice to ease my suffering knees : Any one on... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,672 members158,716 posts

Advice to ease my suffering knees

muckypups profile image
12 Replies

Any one on here suffer with their knees? I have already had an operation on the one (clean up and re alone knee cap) about 3 years ago now but as I’ve still suffered with bad knees I struggle to keep them going.

I currently strap my knees up when running or any kind of exercise really but they are worse following running/brisk walking or long distance.

Does anyone have any ideas or advice on what else I can do before, during and after to ease my Suffering. I don’t want to quit, that’s not an option

Written by
muckypups profile image
muckypups
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
12 Replies
JaoJao profile image
JaoJao

My friend who has reached week 9 this week on c25k is complaining of knee problems since week 6. She does a lot of spinning too so it could be a combination of things. My advice to you is have recovery days, you definitely need them, and if you need more than one day, listen to your body and take two if you want. Also run on grass if available rather than pavement or is easier on your knees. Something I’ve seen my family members use for bad knees is glucosamine gel, they rub it in and it acts as a lubricant for worn knees. Another remedy is cod liver oil capsules (the trick here is to drink one with orange juice as its disgusting if taken alone!). If you are still suffering, see a doc/physio.

You may also benefit from reading the faq blog, there’s lots of valuable advice on there too.

I wish you luck.

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao in reply to JaoJao

I take it back! Yesterday I ran on grass and this morning my

Knee is uncomfortable, it’s a clicking sort of ache 😢. I better stick to pavement. I’ve not had this problem before now! Very odd.

muckypups profile image
muckypups in reply to JaoJao

Oh wow! That’s not good. I hope it eases off for you and doesn’t put you off for too long.

Wish you a speedy recovery and look after yourself

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao in reply to muckypups

It just goes to show that different things work for different people. I’ll be OK I have a recovery day today and then hopefully back on the runs tomorrow. It’s good to be well informed about possible injuries so read all the related blogs on this site, they are so invaluable. I hope you find a solution for you and can share your progress on here.

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate in reply to JaoJao

You can expect your body to pass comment if you've done something different. It's not the same as something that is wrong for it. (Otherwise most of us would have to pack it in at W1 R1)

It's very unlikely that grass is worse for your knees long term than pavements!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

As the guide to the plan states healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you can reduce impact by slowing down, avoiding heelstriking, keeping footfall under your body not out in front, running on grass or treadmill and most importantly wearing proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop. Stretching after every run and doing knee strengthening exercises will also help

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

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you, I probably need to read the knee exercise blog.

Oldgirlruns profile image
OldgirlrunsGraduate

Hi muckypups, there’s a whole section of knee strengthening exercises on the NHS website (sorry, my technical skills don’t run to putting a link on here!). They might help you a bit. You might need to take extra rest days as well. As you’ve had knee probs in the past, is it worth a check with the doc to make sure it’s ok for you to run- you don’t want to risk making things worse in the future. Good luck!

janus34 profile image
janus34Graduate

By muckypups, definitely check with your doctor first. I swear by running on grass, as on my first 4 weeks I also started to have knee pain from running on tarmac only. I now only run on grass or soft paths and i don’t have knee pain anymore. Good luck

muckypups profile image
muckypups in reply to janus34

Thank you all for the helpful advice. I have suffered with my knees for years since an injury when I was 16. Needless to say I will try all your advices and see if things get easier along the way. Hopefully weight loss and fitness will also play it’s part. Along with technique. Thanks all x

KayBee1000 profile image
KayBee1000Graduate

I have one dodgy knee and the only way I can carry on running is strapping - I use these amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07...

I also run on a treadmill as it is more cushioned, but know this isn’t an option for everyone with dodgy knees 😁

The other thing I make sure to do is gently stretch my muscles before each run, do slightly less gentle stretches after each run, and don’t do any stretches which involve twisting my knee to the side because that always makes it flare up.

Sometimes just going for a vigorous walk makes it really hurt, it’s so sensitive!

So, my experience is that strapping it up helps, being careful to not twist or turn it in certain directions helps, and stretching before and after a run helps, but it still aches/hurts from time to time. When it’s hurting I don’t run at all; if it’s a bit achy I’ll start my run but stop if it starts to hurt.

Knees are a nightmare!

muckypups profile image
muckypups in reply to KayBee1000

Awesome thank you for the advice and link. I always strap mine too

You may also like...

Knees, my poor knees!

So now I'm running for longer I'm finding my knees are getting very sore. I am wondering if...

Poorly knees - Advice for physio?

never been to one before - any top tips?  What will they do?  How will I know if they are any good?...

My knees are protesting!

every run, and doing the knee strengthening exercises, but the pain seems to be getting worse....

Any advice for knee pain

and my knees are hurting a little. Had a rest day yesterday and today I’m due for my last run, but...

niggly knees! advice please :)

the last run of week 6, when I jumped to running for 25 mins that my knees ached after during the...