Question for runners on ATOT

[MetalMat]

For the past year or so my left knee has been hurting whenever I run alot, usually starts t ohur after 1.5 miles. I get a sharp pain on the side of the knee, and the pain can stay with my up to 2 days after running.

I went take a physical today and I told the doctor about it. He took a look at it and told my I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) in my left knee, and that I should go back for treatment. Thankfully this will not require any surgery.

So my question is if anyone who has had this been able to run again normally? I really like to go running and this is the only thing really holding me back from running further. I found a method of running sort of flat-footed on my left foot helps me run longer distances ( I ran 7.5 yesterday) because I dont put pressure on the knee, but the doctor said that was not a good idea. It still hurts though, even when I do that.

Also, if anyone has any treatments they know about, short of quitting running.

 

[ruffilb]

Try to get a non-surgical treatment. I don't personally know of any treatments, but if it doesn't require surgery, you can't be in that bad of a shape.

 

[Analog]

Never heard of this, what are the symptoms?

 

[RaDragon]

I personally don't know any people with IBS, but running flat footed, imho, is not going to help.

Try getting running shoes with double-density foam -- this offers a bit of stability correction so that you do not pronate as much. It might also help to see a physical therapist, or someone that can analyse your running form and gait. Maybe they can even recommend orthotics for you.

I've seen these elastic bands that you can put just below your knee (some above your knee) to help 'support' your ITB, but I'm not sure if they're effective, or just a placebo. If you have a few $$ to spare, maybe you can get one of those and see if it helps.

http://www.itbs.info/html/products.html

I know that if I run 2 minutes per mile under my "regular" pace, my knees start to hurt, and someone told me it had something to do with my stride -- lo and behold, when I sped up, the knee pain faded away.

Are you training for a marathon or summat? Maybe you should reduce your mileage until you have recovered from your knee pain. I would also cross train --do a non-impact aerobic sport -- to strengthen your legs so that instead of your knees supporting your body weight, it's balanced through the rest of your body (if that makes any sense! )

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: RaDragon
I personally don't know any people with IBS, but running flat footed, imho, is not going to help.

Try getting running shoes with double-density foam -- this offers a bit of stability correction so that you do not pronate as much. It might also help to see a physical therapist, or someone that can analyse your running form and gait. Maybe they can even recommend orthotics for you.

I've seen these elastic bands that you can put just below your knee (some above your knee) to help 'support' your ITB, but I'm not sure if they're effective, or just a placebo. If you have a few $$ to spare, maybe you can get one of those and see if it helps.

http://www.itbs.info/html/products.html

I know that if I run 2 minutes per mile under my "regular" pace, my knees start to hurt, and someone told me it had something to do with my stride -- lo and behold, when I sped up, the knee pain faded away.

Are you training for a marathon or summat? Maybe you should reduce your mileage until you have recovered from your knee pain. I would also cross train --do a non-impact aerobic sport -- to strengthen your legs so that instead of your knees supporting your body weight, it's balanced through the rest of your body (if that makes any sense! )

Im not training for anything, just staying in shape. I usually do a slow run, or fast job. To say I was completley running would be wrong, but either way its a good workout. I also bicycle alot , but I know I need to start lifting weights. I will start hitting the gym once I settle in with my new job and know whats goin on, but till then I am running/cycling to stay in decent shape.

 

[TBone48]

Those bands that go around your knee are supposed to work. Do a web search, a lot of places sell them.

 

[Gibsons]

I had it once. Not running for a while cured it... took a month or two (!) though.

 

[Dessert Tears]

The best thing to do is not to aggravate it before it completely heals. You may have to completely stop jogging/running for a month or more, but it's worthwhile if it keeps the injury from going chronic. The knee has relatively little bloodflow, so it's difficult to injure and difficult to heal. On the other hand, you can probably do some jogging if you limit it and stop immediately if it hurts.

ITB-related issues can often be addressed by stretching regularly and developing flexibility. Warm up for 10min (cycling sounds like the best method for you) and stretch it out. Stretch again when you finish a workout. There are specific ITB stretches, I think there are diagrams online.