Whats wrong with my knees?

[mils7083]

Currently dealing with a dull aching pain on the outside of my right knee, and a diffuse pain inside the joint of both knees - not sharp at all and is fine to run on and I can generally run through it. Starts about the same distance into every run, and has been there for about 6 months. It usually hurts more after, when going up and down stairs and after sitting cross legged for a while.

Both my knees have a grinding/creaky feeling (like an old door) when I bend them. It is also more on the side and then goes deep into the joint, doesn't hurt to press on it at all.

Some history - I am 21, female, 168cm, 50kg. Previously was anorexic and have a pretty bad exercise/running addiction have been running my entire life so concerned this has made my joints shot. Currently probably running more than I should be and not taking many days off - I know no one can diagnose me here but its a while before I can get to a doctor due to lockdown in our country. Just wondering if this is just general overuse or the start of osteoarthritis?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It is very difficult to tell from here. Running through pain isn’t a good idea, if this is starting at the same distance every run, maybe it would make sense to run under that distance and see what happens afterwards then. Loving that you are a running & exercise addict (there’s much worse things to be addicted to) but are you doing strengthening exercises for legs and core? These can really help, and sometimes because the knees are our shock absorbers, issues felt in the knee are caused by issues further up or down the body.

Sitting is, in general, not good for us… does this issue pass if you avoid it? I tend not to sit for more than 30 minutes at a time (I’m really popular in cinemas 🤣)

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I can only give a similar reply to the one you received from IannodaTruffe from your previous message a few days ago .We are not medically trained , we don't know your medical history or your complete running history.

But as suggested already , you should not be running with this continuing problem .

You really need advice from a medical professional , your GP or Sports physio .

You certainly do not want to be possibly making this worse by continuing to run .

I hope you can get some advice soon !

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This is the third time that you have effectively asked the same question in just a few days and as others have already said, the best thing would be to rest up for few days, stretch frequently and see if that helps.

Most of us are not medically qualified and even those who are would be unlikely to offer a diagnosis based on a description of symptoms over the internet.

Running/exercising when diet is inadequately balanced could have a detrimental effect, as can simple overuse. General leg strengthening exercises, such as those linked to in the guide to the plan, can help many people overcome knee pain caused by poor supporting musculature, but only a diagnosis from someone who is appropriately medically qualified is going to begin to answer your question.

Rest is a great healer and patience with our bodies is necessary for all runners. Our bodies change over time and we have to come to terms with those changes and adapt to them. There is no point self diagnosing nor accepting a diagnosis from anyone on this forum. That may cause more harm than good and you really do need a thorough examination to get to the cause of the issue.

It might be as simple as worn out running shoes.

Take care

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Which week are you on in C25K ? As UnfitNoMore has suggested, are you doing some core strength and stamina work on some of your rest days... There are some great links to knee exercises on the strength and flex forum.

As he says also, running through any pain is a real no-no... and if you are still concerned then you should seek some expert advice, maybe a sports physio'?

[John_W Graduate]

How much running are you doing? How many times a week? What distances?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

If you know you have an exercise addiction the reality is it's probably overuse. It's your body saying Jeez, ease up woman!

Make sure your shoes are not too worn. There's some good YouTube videos about how to test cushioning etc for wear. (If you're really not sure then do you know how many miles your current shoes have done?)

Make sure you're taking rest days. On those days you can still walk or cycle or weight lift etc just let your legs have a break from the running motion.

Overuse isn't fun. I know from experience, having gotten to a point I could barely walk a mile, let alone run.

I understand the addiction side, the need for the endorphins, but you need balance too. I work out every morning now to supplement my running so that I can cope with only being able to run on my days off. It works.

[Pinkpaisley]

Pain is nature's way of telling you that there's something wrong.