Knee injury - sigh.

[Crolla]

Started my running journey around five years ago and I've been going through a real purple patch recently as have clocked up two personal bests for the 5k and have generally been running faster and at a consistent pace (always conversational - I checked that by muttering to myself every so often!). Anyway, yesterday morning I ran a PB and basically shaved 30 seconds off of my previous best. Felt absolutely elated. Stretched properly, did the cool down walk etc etc. Right knee felt slightly stiff when I went to bed, but nothing too bad.

Woke up this morning and it was stiff and sore. Pain at the back of the knee and underneath the front (inner). Seems to have got worse during the day. Am icing it, raising it, and taking painkillers. I can't work out whether the compression bandage is making it hurt more, so I removed it.

Anyway, not entirely sure whether it's worth going to the docs yet. No sign of any swelling luckily. My first thought was 'oh no, I won't be able to run tomorrow'. My current thought is 'I can barely walk so someone else will have to take the dog out.'

So frustrating, especially as I was planning a longer run on Saturday so I could avoid all the malarkey on TV. Guess now I'll have to stay inside with a book or Netflix.

Sorry, just needed to moan about it.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

That's a pity that you can't run on Saturday when "a certain event" will be broadcast on ALL channels on TV, you will as you say read a book or watch Netflix instead, I hope you get better soon but if not try and contact a doctor as soon as possible.

[Crolla in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you. Yes, my plan to go for a run and be out for about two hours enjoying nature rather than bunting has rather come a cropper. Mind you, the forecast is ran and i'm a fairweather runner at the best of times. I'll find a book or some reruns of Murder She Wrote - lol.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Moan away! I went from never having had a proper injury (apart from after a fall) to pulling out of a half marathon most of the way through when I had excruciating knee pain for the first time ever. It really can come out of the blue and it’s utterly rotten.

If you can, it’s worth seeing a physio or another suitably trained person. I paid privately to get seen quickly by an physio and it was the best money I’ve spent. The cause of my knee pain was actually issues at my hips. I’d never have worked that out on my own. I’ve got a plan now and exercises to make everything stronger and more flexible, so thankfully it won’t be a problem long term.

The other thing I got was reassurance about how much pain during activity as I’m recovering is ok and what isn’t so I don’t worry any more about grumbles doing more damage-I know what’s safe and what means stop.

If you can barely walk, that sounds like it needs looking at. Taking action now will help you get back to the runs soon and you’ll be stronger for it in the long run.

Wishing you a full and fast recovery. ❤️

[Crolla in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you so much for your reply. It did start to feel a bit better yesterday, to the point where I can manage stairs so the ice and rest did a lot of good. I can at least walk now, although I think my husband and kids can manage the dog walking for a few days. I will bear in mind what you said about the physio if I don't see much more improvement. How long were you out of action for--running wise--if you don't mind me asking?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to Crolla]

Glad things are improving. I was off runs totally for two weeks. I’ve been easing my way back in very slowly. It’s been a bit bumpy but generally things are getting better. The thing that will make the biggest difference to me is taking strength work much more seriously rather than getting back into my runs, according to my physio. It’s weird to be focussing on that when I’d rather be thinking about runs but it will be worth it long term.

It’s really worth looking into what will help keep your knee pain from coming back. Who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy some strength sessions! Really good luck to you!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

We all need to moan, especially when something hurts! Hopefully it settles down. Definitely look into knee strengthening exercises for the future, keep it under control 👍🏻

[Crolla in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you. Yes, I've been doing some leg strengthening exercises. I do always stretch and do a proper cool down walk after a run, and I walk a lot anyway because I usually take the dog out, but there's always room for a few more stretches etc to build up leg strength.