Knee pain

[joxyna]

Hello, I am new in this group thanks for letting me join.

I am 32 and I have recently started the program couch to 5k and I am on the 4th week. I have never felt happier before and I love the feeling of achieving some goals but I am experiencing some pain in the left knee ( lower side) and this is also stopping me from running, I have already contacted my GP and I will go and get it checked but I feel so sad because for the first time I have found something I love and I am scared I might have to stop running. I am wonderiny if any of you experienced anything like this and if you managed to keep running.

[Roxdog Graduate]

I don't think you will have to stop running. You may have to rest your knee for a few days, but it's likely to be a temporary issue. Good luck!

[joxyna in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you I really hope so! I cant believe how much I love running , I will try to rest few days and see how it goes x

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome !And well done for starting.

It is not unusual for a new runner to have a few knee aches as your body gets used to running so I wouldn't worry too much at this stage .

Have you read the program guide ?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It's full of usefull information to help you through the program such as tips on stretching, hydration and there is also a link to knee strengthening excercises.

Enjoy the program!

[joxyna in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you so much for the reply, I will definitely look at the link above 😊

[Instructor57 Graduate]

No problem !And keep posting here , this is a very supportive group , Enjoy the journey

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

Many new runners experience knee pain, as well as more experienced runners who increase their training load too quickly.

Fundamentally it is the impact being more than the musculature can cope with. So reducing impact and strengthening your knees will probably sort you out fairly quickly, but you might need to have longer periods between runs if it becomes a serious issue.

To minimise impact slow down, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body, not out in front, run on softer surfaces such as grass or treadmill and wear proper running shoes, fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

To strengthen, follow the link in the guide linked above.

Hydration is also crucial as this can help provide cushioning in the knees, as cartilage has a high water content.

Long term, running is far more likely to strengthen your knees than cause them damage.

Enjoy your journey.

[joxyna in reply to IannodaTruffe]

thank you so much I will try all your suggestion 😊

[Frenc Graduate]

I definitely had a few knee niggles during C25K, I think it was just my body getting used to the running. Hopefully this is what’s happening with you. Don’t forget you can always take a few days’ rest as well! 😊😊😊

[nowster Graduate]

Are you, by any chance, over-striding?

youtube.com/watch?v=kQ5wQ5N...(Not working as expected?)

[joxyna in reply to nowster]

Hey thanks for the video, I believe I am running correctly but mostly on a treadmill and Maybe too fast. I will take some rest and slow down and definitely new proper running shoes