Sore knees - any advice?

[JulesAllostock]

Hi all, I am repeating c25k to get back into running and most of me is feeling a lot better for it! . Now running 25 mins. Going ok except for sore knees also very slow. I tried not running for a week to see if it helped the knees, it didn't. If anything it was worse. Knee pain is bad at the start and then eases quite a bit. I suspect arthritis Any knee advice?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi JulesAllostock …my advice would be to see a specialist…if they’re hurting even after having a week off if you carry on unchecked you could do more damage…better to be safe than sorry

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 I agree with Mummycav advice. We never advise running through pain. Once you have chatted to your GP or physio & they give you the ok try adding some knee strengthening exercises to your routine. See our Strength & Flex forum for good ideas.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Like Mummycav and Annieapple have said, you really need specialist advice. Knees are really complex structures and the stresses that go through them when we run are considerably more than walking.

The good news is that proper medical assessment will identify the root cause of the problem, and a lot of those problems, including arthritis, are eminently treatable.

I have an arthritic knee. I had a lot of physio treatment about 7 years ago and the pain all but disappeared unless I did certain movements. I started running around 3 years ago and the knees have never been better.

In the meantime, until you get an appointment, you may find that painkillers help but please don't run until you know what the issue is and get an all clear from the doctor.

[AKatieD]

I kept repeatedly having knee pain when running very slowly. Saw consultant, had MRI and was told was osteoarthritis and to stop running to prolong how long it would be until I had to have knee replacement.

I found out that meno/ peri-menopause and the reduction in oestrogen levels can affect the cartilage in joints and is associated with OA. Started HRT and no more knee problems!

Might not be relevant to you but it made such a difference I feel obliged to speak up whenever I hear about knee pain!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate in reply to AKatieD]

Definitely worth asking the doctor about this. HRT has whole body effects. It can also help with osteoporosis, as can running.

[drl212 Graduate]

Yep! Agree with everyone else. See your healthcare provider or perhaps a sports physio...

I had some knee niggles and my guy thinks it is a bit of osteoarthritis and set me up with some leg strength exercises and morning stretches.

Keep us posted...