Painful knee

[marigold60]

Hi, I've recently joined this forum. I started doing the couch to 5k in November. Finding it quite hard as rather out of condition but I persevered. I'm on week 5 now, though I have missed a few runs due to Christmas and New year. I've also for that reason stuck to run 1 for the last few times. However I'm having problems with my left knee possibly itband?.I've been using painkillers plus I wore a strap under my knee last time. I can put up with this but I don't want it to get any worse

It's taken me ages to decide to begin running and I'm concerned that if I stop now I'll find excuses not to start again, and I really want to run.

Am I being stupid thinking it will just go away on its own, without resting till it gets better ( if and when).

Has anyone got any advice?

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

This probably won't be what you want to hear but as someone with an arthritic knee who suffered all last summer from an untreated IT band problem I'll share my experience.

Firstly, the knee is a very complex structure. There are all sorts of reasons that things can go wrong. Generally the treatment will involve rest, ice, compression, keeping it raised and taking painkillers. If the problem doesn't resolve after a few days you need to see a doctor.

Trying to exercise through pain is a really bad idea. You risk further injury and a longer recovery period. Self diagnosis using Dr Google is also inadvisable, you deserve to speak to someone who can see you, examine you and form a professional opinion on the cause of the trouble. This is the quickest way to sort things out, not trying to push through the pain. It's very unlikely that it will just get better.

In May I developed an IT band problem. I was traveling in Europe so soldiered through it, taking painkillers, finding work arounds. Every time we went for a walk the first few hundred yards would be an excruciating hobble. Finally, in September or October, I got home and made a GP appointment. It wasn't quite as bad by then but still very painful. A 10 minute appointment later, he'd shown me one exercise and explained the best painkilling approach. Within 3 days it was all better. Why on earth didn't I go sooner?

So, especially if you think it might be an IT band problem go to your GP!! If you've already got to week 5 you are doing fantastically well and your strength and resilience won't disappear overnight. You owe it to yourself to get proper treatment as soon as you can, then you'll be off sprinting like a spring chicken before you know it

Another thought, what are your running shoes like? Take them with you to the doctor and mention you run. My doctor took one look at mine, folded them in half and told me that they were the cause of my problems when I had a different problem with the tendons in my foot.

The best medicine may be to treat yourself to a visit to a running shop (once you've seen the doctor), get a gait analysis and get some proper footwear. It will help (plus who doesn't like new shoes?)

[marigold60 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thankyou for your reply. You sound like you've got a very helpful doctor.I kind of thought this may be what I would have do. I do hate going to the doctor's now though( having to jump through hoops)and you're lucky if you do actually get to see one anyway. I did get some new shoes at Christmas from a run shop. I thought they might help. Maybe seeing a physio might be the next step?

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to marigold60]

marigold60 it's better to see the doctor first. They can refer you for X rays etc so that they can rule out any structural problems before you see the physio. Also, some NHS GP practices have an NHS physio attached if you need one. If not, physiotherapy is money very well spent.

Yes, there are delays in the system but if you spend the time waiting for your appointment in resting, elevating etc nature will speed the healing process so it isn't time wasted.

Hope you feel better soon

[marigold60 in reply to Yesletsgo]

I did have pain, though different in that knee 10 years ago. I had an x-ray which didn't show up much except possible arthritis. I was recommended to have an arthroscopy but for various reasons I didn't. It gradually improved through what I assumed was exercising up the gym. I suppose that's why I wondered if I could just run it off. I've also been waiting over a year to see someone to diagnose pain in left hip area so although I know what you say makes sense, I was just wondering if there was another way

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to marigold60]

You could try phoning a physio and asking for advice? They are very knowledgeable and at best might be able to sort you out quickly. At least if they say 'go to the doctor' you know it's an expert telling you not a bunch of well meaning strangers

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 🤗So sad and sorry to hear this and Yesletsgo is absolutely spot on with her advice and by your reply to her it’s what you knew in your heart! However you will run again! Those runs will wait for you! Meantime read up about Strength & Flex for knees, read other running posts, to keep your interest in running going! Don’t lose heart! The physio will have good advice and soon you will be back in those lovely trainers!

[marigold60 in reply to Annieapple]

Thankyou for your reply I have seen the strength and flex site, which I found through this forum. I will read up as much as I can.