Knee Pain

[Boybiker]

In the first 2 weeks of the plan I had discomfort/pain around my knees. Someone in the forum suggested taking a pain killer and keep running. It worked great I had no more problems until now (week 6) but the same symtoms have returned. Is this due to some element of the knee building itself as I gain fitness?

[Jacca Graduate]

Try the R.I.C.E and ibuprofen method if no better see a doctor. Let us know how you get on! Well done for getting to w6🙂

[Tasha99 Graduate]

That was probably me 🤣

But trickier now the runs are longer. If it doesn’t go it could be a gait problem or an IT band issue. See how you go. If it doesn’t stop, you may need fitted shoes and/or a physio.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you following the advice in the guide to the plan on minimising impact, stretching after every run and knee strengthening exercises, as well as appropriate footwear? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The idea of taking pain killers every time you run is not a long term solution to the problem.

[Boybiker in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I didn't do the stretching and exercises. Before I seek medical attention I will start the exercises and feed back the results

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

We advise never to run through pain..painkillers may simply mask the issue..as IannodaTruffe says...it is not a solution...maybe get checked out by a sports physio at this stage?

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Please get some medical advice. The runs will wait!

[mrrun Graduate]

There are some things l know better than others, and when it comes to knee injury experience l can call the shots. Discomfort is to be expected but pain is the sign of something more serious and you should see a sports physio. Don't ever run if feeling pain. l did and, well, long story so let's just say don't do that. Take painkillers if in pain but don't run. Just don't.

[shrinkingjaz Graduate]

This is above our pay grade. If the pain persists, please go to your doctor and/or physio and get it checked out!

[ladyofcastile]

Well, in my humble- very humble!- experience, the knee is where all the mechanics of the leg come together, so you have to think about everything happening above and below. I had a problem recently that was not actually the knee, was the sartorius and the IT band. And what was provoking the problem on those muscles was mainly psychological. Ha! My test to decide if I have to rest a pain or run through is if I can put my finger on what it hurts. If I can, that means I am in trouble. As IannodaTruffle recommends, review the guide, work on your core, make sure your posture is right and that you core is engaged but your shoulders and arms are relaxed. Make sure you are not bending forwards. If you decide to run through the pain (use your instinct), painkillers at first, some ibuprofen gel on the knee before hand and perhaps some kind of strong elastic brace/bandage will help.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to ladyofcastile]

There is absolutely no reason why anyone should run through pain. Pain means potential or open injury and running trough it will almost definitely make it worse. I've been through that and the length and cost of treatment could literary stop you from running completely. Never, ever run through pain.

[ladyofcastile]

I see your point. My experience is somehow different. If I hadn't run trough the nagging knee pain at first while I was getting to know my runner's body, I wouldn't be running today. As I said: follow your instinct. Every runner's body is different, we all have a weak point and we all have it in different places, so each one of us knows what's best for ourselves. We are just sharing our experience.