Knee Pain

[tophster]

I started running in February and I’ve completed the couch25k which I never thought I’d manage btw! Recently though I’m getting knee pain as well as a feeling that my knee is weak. It happened during a run and was severe enough that I couldn’t continue. The following day I tried another run and only managed 100 yards before the pain came on and I stopped.

Is this a common injury and what are other people’s experience of how to treat and how long it takes to heal?

Apologies if I’m asking something that is basic!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Knee pain is extremely common amongst new runners in particular and is primarily caused by the inability of the knee to absorb the imposed stresses.The guide to C25k healthunlocked.com/couchto5... gives guidance on minimising impact and strengthening exercises which in most cases will substantially improve the situation.

Rest and good hydration are also crucial factors.

Take care. Do not run in pain.

[tophster Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, this is really helpful and reading your bio has given me inspiration! I felt I was so late to this and wasn’t even sure I’d enjoy it let alone manage to run half decent distances. I love it though and must admit I’d be devastated if injuries stopped me.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to tophster]

All the other FAQ Posts may also give you useful advice on a range of other running topics. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I would echo the advice from IannodaTruffe regarding the knee But also to add that if you started running in February then it is way too soon to run on consecutive days without risking overuse injuries.

I notice also you don't have your Graduate badge !

You can ask for it here .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[tophster Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Brilliant, thanks! I’ve been running every second day until I started 5-10K when I go out every 3rd day. Until of course my run was cut short because of my knee so I thought I’d give it another go the next day. Sounds even more stupid when I right it down!

[Paulpjdd Graduate]

I started C25K twice in the last year or so and had to stop due to knee pain. I've now restarted it using an indoor treadmill and am further in that I have ever been. I'm hoping easing into it this way will help strengthen my knee and eventually allow me to run outdoors after graduation! 🤞

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Paulpjdd]

Have a look at the knee strengthening exercises referred to in the program guide , they will certainly help

[Hidden]

You might want to see a physio, your knee pain could be caused by by something else, I've recently had knee pain that is caused by a tight hamstring. The physio will be able to identify the problem and give appropriate stretches /strengthening exercises to help.

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

If the pain is bad enough to stop you running and you've not experienced it before you should visit your GP to find out what's wrong. They can then refer you for physio. I'm lucky that my GP surgery has its own so it's covered by the NHS but if there's a long wait in your area it's well worth going private if you can afford it.

In the meantime - rest the knee, elevate, maybe use a compression support, ice packs and take painkillers if it gets bad. This seems to be the cure for all running related injuries. Just don't be tempted to run until you stop hurting.