any runners here?

[huberm]

so a few weeks ago I started a 13 week beginners running program. I am really enjoying the hobby but I have one problem - my left knee starts hurting after about a mile into the run.

I went to a running store and had my feet "fitted" for the right shoe. I was also told I overpronate so I got some orthotic insoles as well. I've also been wearing a knee band just under my left knee, but it still seems to hurt once I get going. Any idea what I may be doing wrong? Maybe running just isn't the right hobby for me?

Thanks!

 

[Pocatello]

Running can be tough on your body, like the joints. My problem is with my ankles. So I bought a bike instead. If I lose some weight, maybe my ankles would feel better .

 

[hzl eyed grl]

Have you ever seen a doctor for it? Did it just start when you started running or has it bothered you before this?

 

[Goosemaster]

All I can tell you is everything hurt like hell before I started doing not only warmups, but at least 15min of stretching and body stuff*

*not sure what to call it= few dozen pushups, 100+situps, etc

 

[Capt Caveman]

Curious, what kind of shoes and orthotics did you buy? Did you get the shoes and orthotics before or after the knee pain?

 

[Goosemaster]

my version of otherthopedic shoes:

crappy shoes + belt sander.

No seriosuly. Worked like a charm....or at least it'll hold me until I can afford some good shoes.

 

[Gibsons]

RICE:

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. And add ibuprofen to that.

My guess would be that it's just tendonitis of some sort. If which case it will simply get better with time and sufficient rest. See if you can do some pool running or biking to keep you leg muscles working in the meantime. Tendonitis can be very frustrating though, come back too soon and it'll flare up as bad or even worse than before.

The advice above about warmups and stretching is good too.

 

[Zysoclaplem]

I know plenty of people, young people, who just cannot run because of their knees. My brother-in-law has a cartilage problem that only presents itself painfully when he walks for a long time or runs at any time. I would find something lower impact, or perhaps run at a gym or a track with that very soft rubbery coated surface. It's much better for the knees.

 

[Modular]

It really depends on where your knee hurts. Without that information, anything anyone says here is simply speculation. I have ITBS and thought that I had done something seriously damaging to my knee. It turns out that if I do the proper stretches 2 or 3 times a day, I don't suffer from it at all.

More info please.

 

[grohl]

Probably tendonitis.

Ice/ibuprofen works best, might want to ease back on the mileage or work in more walking. It will get better, just listen to your body. Stick with it, easiest way to stay in shape.

 

[James3shin]

Lots of good answers here. Zyscoclaplem's point about the surface is paramount! Having worked besides a Radiologist, I've had the opportunity to see many photos of people complaining about knee problems. Basketball player knees like they've been chewed up by little rats, and runners are not much better. Running is a great sport, it is however very taxing on your joints. Even with good form, and shoes, the joints take quite the beating. Stop running on the streets! I know it's hard to hear. I loved running through my neighborhood streets, but I've switched to compound/rubber surfaces on tracks or grass/dirt trails.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: huberm
so a few weeks ago I started a 13 week beginners running program. I am really enjoying the hobby but I have one problem - my left knee starts hurting after about a mile into the run.

I went to a running store and had my feet "fitted" for the right shoe. I was also told I overpronate so I got some orthotic insoles as well. I've also been wearing a knee band just under my left knee, but it still seems to hurt once I get going. Any idea what I may be doing wrong? Maybe running just isn't the right hobby for me?

Thanks!

There definitely may be some form issues. One thing I've done to overcome joint pain is to work out a couple days a week using an "eliptical" machine instead of running those days. It definitely loosens up the joints without putting any unneeded pressure on them.

 

[roguerower]

I agree with most people here. Get a doc to check it out before you go out and do some serious damage to your joints. If it continues to hurt then I would suggest that you switch to either 2 other forms of PT:

Biking: I have to do an hour of cardio each Saturday and Sunday for practice and usually will get on a stationary bike to do this. I don't have the money for a decent road bike yet, but once I do I will cough up the money. Relatively low impact, but it'll still kick your @ss.

Erging/Rowing: I row for my University and I can tell you first hand that rowing is a buttkicker. This involves those seldom used rowing machines (called ergometers) that usually sit in the corner unused until someone attempts it and fails miserably. Great workout and it'll work EVERYTHING. Legs, upperbody, arms (not so much though if you're doing it correctly).

Hope you find out what the problem is.

 

[Mr Pickles]

What kind of shape are you in? How well do you recover? I dont want anyone taking this the wrong way thinking that pains are no big deal, but when you start to increase the work load on your body these things are bound to happen. I've fallen in and out of sports for years and you'll find that it will take some time, weeks, for your body to adjust; especially with running. Over time your body will start "greasing its gears" by giving your joints more of the nutrients they need to put a buffer between between bones and sensitive areas. As long as you are normally a healthy kind of guy and you eat right your knee will adjust with plenty of rest and proper treatment. As I get older and change paces from time to time this becomes more apparent.

So, if you're a generally healthy dude I'd pay close attention to it and rest it but not freak out about it. But if this is something seriously bothering you, don't hesitate to get a medical opinion.

 

[huberm]

thanks for all the great replies!

For right now I think I'm going to be sticking with my elliptical for a few weeks. Hopefully it is just tendonitis or something temporary.

In the few weeks I have been running, I can see it is a really fun sport and I would hate to give it up. I have never felt better than I do after a jog.

 

[theeedude]

If you do decide to run, get Adidas Megabounce+ running shoes. They may look like a plasticky gimmick, but don't be fooled.
The cushioning is absolutely amazing. I am 215 lbs and I ran 10 km in them on asphalt and no soreness in knees at all like I get form foam shoes.

 

[potato28]

I used to run, but my knees are gone from skiing. See your doctor, it could save you from a lot of pain.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I'm gonna say what I was gonna say even though some people have already said it. If your joints are hurting a lot, it is going to be best to run in a large park or a nature trail or something like that. The concrete is just terrible on the joints. Also, it may have something to do with your weight (if you're overweight). My brother had some problems with joint pain and shin splints because of the stress of his weight. His muscles and joints just weren't used to that motion so he was in a lot of pain. If you're not overweight, then it may be some sort of tendonitis (like many have said) or even ghost pains. I mean, I've been a runner for a while now and sometimes, there are things that are annoying, but you're perfectly healthy. I remember running where the arch of my foot would hurt for about 10 minutes at random points in my run and then it would go away. There was no basis for it to do that, but it would. I also kept sprinting on an impacted ankle though, so don't listen to me when it comes to taking action about your body So important things: 1) find new running trails or track - not concrete. 2) Stretch before you start your run. Also, find a long enough trail that you start slow the first 10 minutes and then maybe stretch. That always made me feel best. 3) Don't run if you feel like your stride is off because of your knee. Favoring one leg, especially while running, can damage more than you'd like. 4) RICE is an important concept, for all runners. Ice is great for keeping injuries at bay, so don't hesitate to ice your knee 15 min on, 15 min off, 15 min on, 15 min off. Leaving it on for longer than 15 minutes, I believe, isn't good for anything and can actually damage cells. 5) Just keep at it. The knee thing is going to be discouraging, but just keep your goal in mind. I hope everything works out for ya, man. If you have any questions, swing a PM by me.

 

[altonb1]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Curious, what kind of shoes and orthotics did you buy? Did you get the shoes and orthotics before or after the knee pain?

Run, Forrest, Run!

Anyone else get the vision of Forrest Gump with the leg braces in their head?

 

[mrkun]

Originally posted by: James3shin
Lots of good answers here. Zyscoclaplem's point about the surface is paramount! Having worked besides a Radiologist, I've had the opportunity to see many photos of people complaining about knee problems. Basketball player knees like they've been chewed up by little rats, and runners are not much better. Running is a great sport, it is however very taxing on your joints. Even with good form, and shoes, the joints take quite the beating. Stop running on the streets! I know it's hard to hear. I loved running through my neighborhood streets, but I've switched to compound/rubber surfaces on tracks or grass/dirt trails.

Out of curiosity, how do you olympic and power lifters' knees look?