knee pain

[Greenhouse61]

Got to the middle of week 7 and developed a really painful knee. Should I stop meantime or carry on with programme. I waited three days before I ran again and although I completed the week my knee is very sore and I need pain relief. Not sure what to do for the best. I would rather continue if it is not likely to cause long term damage

[mrrun Graduate]

Pain means a potential injury and running through pain means you may aggravate it further. I did that during my first months and it resulted in several months of physical therapy and no running at all so l repeated the program from scratch.

You need to heal first but you must figure out what caused the pain - if you don’t it’ll keep coming back and may potentially stop you from running altogether. Knees are complex and only a good physio will be able to help, Googling the remedy may take you to the wrong place.

In my case the knee issue was caused by ‘too much too soon’ where l ran longer and harder than l should’ve done. My shoes, although of a good quality, were completely inadequate for my flat feet and l declined to wear any insoles. Both issues were rectified by gait analysis later on.

Also, l had balance issues where my hips were all over the place and the weight wasn’t distributed evenly, resulting in more pressure going to that knee. To an untrained eye l looked like a slim, fit bloke with good shoes but my physio picked it all apart and fixed the problems, one by one.

I’d say, rest up for a week or so and start again, nice, slow and gentle. If the pain returns something is definitely wrong, in which case go and see someone but also do check your running style and your shoes. Good luck!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Don't run with pain! Get it looked at, doctor, physio, and rest until pain has gone. Then look at knee strengthening exercises and check you are wearing the right shoes for you.

Hope the pain goes soon

[Greenhouse61 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks for your reply. I will do strengthening exercises and gradually build up once pain has subsided

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi Greenhouse61 …ouch…knee pain is not nice at all…I’m assuming you’ve had a gait analysis to make sure you’re wearing the correct shoe? If not that could be the cause…I would be tempted to rest for a few days, just some nice gentle stretches to keep you moving maybe? If the pain comes back when you start again it would be worth getting a professional to have a look…and def wear a knee support on your first outing

[Greenhouse61 in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks for your response. My gait is not great having fractured both ankles and a patella in the past so will rest up meantime and do some strengthening exercises instead

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Greenhouse61]

I smashed my knee cap in a motor bike accident years ago so I know how painful knees can be…and how it can affect our running…I have absolutely no spring in my left leg so I land quite heavy on that side…which can then make my back ache!! Who knew running could be so complicated?!

[Greenhouse61 in reply to Mummycav]

thanks for getting back . Your advice is much appreciated