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Click to view mandydandy's profile Rookie 1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Sep 28, 2004 9:42 AM

knee troubles or quads?

After running several days in a row or more than a few miles at a time, i get achey knees. Aching under the knee-cap, and it hurts to bend them, or hurts to straighten them when they've been bent for a while.

I went to a massage therapist and was told that my knees aren't the problem. My quad muscles were tight and I wasn't stretching them enough. He did some serious pressure point action on my quads (which made my knee-cap feel like it was going to pop right off- ouch!)

Is he a quack? Or does that sound right?

Also, should I ice or heat after I run?
Click to view kfhanson's profile Rookie 1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
1. Sep 29, 2004 12:44 PM in response to: mandydandy
I think he is on to something. I remember when I had a knee issue a year ago and was reading up on it - said something like quad muscles were not strong enough or behind in development from other muscles.

Definitely ice after a run for 20 min. Try light weight work-outs (leg extension and hams).

Check-out ourfootdoctor.com. I've been running in orthotics for the past year and my knee, shin, hip issues have gone away (knock on wood).

Good luck
Click to view jwoodman's profile Amateur 21 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
2. Sep 29, 2004 3:50 PM in response to: mandydandy
The compression you feel on top of your knee is definitely from tight quadriceps muscles. There are a variety of strethes you can do but the most effective I have found is:

1. Stand in front of a chair with one leg forward.
2. Bend the front leg about halfway to 90 degrees
3. Place the foot (top of foot) of your rear leg on top of the chair.
4. Press your hips forward until you feel the stretch in your quads.

This is the exact stretch that will alleviate knee compression issues the way you describe.
Click to view Bull55's profile Amateur 25 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
3. Oct 12, 2004 12:06 PM in response to: mandydandy
Hey Mandy, my knees used to bother me as well when I ran. I was also out of shape and overweight (about 4 1/2yrs ago). I also was weight training but there was something I negected to focus on: my legs.

I changed my lifting routine about 3yrs ago and started incorporating more "legs". Specifically, sled work, quads, hamstrings, calves and lunges. Of course, see a doctor before doing anything but after focusing more on my leg strength and losing weight I started noticing a difference. My knees don't hurt at all anymore even on the long runs (8-10mi). I've read that by lifting and strengthening my legs, not only does it build muscle but also strengthens ligaments and tendons that support your knee. I would try doing some leg strength exercises a few times a week and see if that helps as well...
Click to view sarahsarah's profile Rookie 4 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
4. Oct 16, 2004 10:51 AM in response to: mandydandy
Hey,
I too have the occasional knee, shin, foot pain dilemna that could result from various issues. Sorry to barge in on your question mandy, but I've got a question for the person who recommends the orthodic shoe inserts. I have heard of this and wondered if you had specific foot problems that you were trying to correct. I'm asking b/c my foot is pretty normal in regard to arch, pronation, etc. Would an insert be painful or harmful if there isn't a problem that i am trying to correct?