Question about knee pain

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4600 Views 11 Replies Latest reply: Oct 7, 2009 6:53 PM by purpletreefrog

gtcurly

3 posts since
Oct 6, 2009

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Oct 6, 2009 7:24 AM

Question about knee pain

Hi! I am a 30 year old female, about 40 pounds overweight, who just began a walk/run program based on the book, The Beginner Runner's Handbook. This is my 2nd week/5th workout and I walk 4 min. and jog 1 min. for 40-45 minutes. Last night my knees really hurt. More on the inside front. Not sure if it is muscular/ligaments and just general soreness from being overweight and not working out in a few years. Any ideas on stretching or helping ease the pain? I have really good new shoes to support my arches...so shoes shouldn't be the issue. Thanks for the help and support!

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Tags: help, question, newbie, pain

Surfgrrrl
4 posts since
Oct 7, 2009

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1. Oct 7, 2009 5:12 AM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

Hi, I've just started the C25K program this week and I am also interested in keeping the knee pain away. So anyone with any advice out there would be great!

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33yrs
9 posts since
Oct 7, 2009

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2. Oct 7, 2009 7:04 AM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

Based on the small amount of running you are doing right now, it is unlikely, in my amateur opinion, that you have torn anything. Ice the knee for at least 10 minutes after you work out. If it persists then the only person who can really tell you anything is a sports orthapaedist. All we are doing is speculating. They have the knowledge and equipment to make the call.

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jwsamuel
19 posts since
Sep 28, 2009

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3. Oct 7, 2009 8:05 AM (in response to 33yrs)
Re: Question about knee pain

I agree with Gary.

I am 52 and have knee pain. I won't to a sports orthopedist who x-rayed the knee and examined it. The x-rays showed that there is no structural damage. The doc attributed the pain to inflammation caused by the excess weight I am carrying and that I am being more active...as well as the possible beginnings of an arthritic condition. He suggested glucosamine on a daily basis and ibuprofin (Advil or Motrin) when the pain got bad. Note that I am not telling you to do what I did...just how simple the problem can be cared for. Be sure to have your knee checked out to make sure it is not a structural problem.

Jim

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Melanie <3
1 posts since
Sep 30, 2009

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4. Oct 7, 2009 8:58 AM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

Wow! Im in almost the exact same boat as you exept Im 27 yrs old. Sam issue inside of knees are hurting. I've been on the same program as you for 2-3weeks and all of the sudden last week, my knees started hurting. Glad you posted this. I have a 5k this weekend, and am going to have to walk it this time. Hoping that this will go away soon. =(

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TyKy
134 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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5. Oct 7, 2009 9:03 AM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

First I would like to say if it is really bothering you than take it easy and see your doctor. Everybody has different types of injuries and different causes of these injuries. Especially concerning the knees. I was in a similar situation so I'll tell you my story, but again everybody is different so it is best to see a doctor. After my 2nd son I had 80 lbs of extra weight I could not get rid of. So I started running with my son on good weather days and using the elliptical as a cross trainer. I began to loose the weight but the inside bottom of my right knee started to hurt. I ignored it untill the pain got so bad it hurt to walk. At the doctor they took some x-rays and did other tests to determine I had "runners knee." After physical therapy I could run with no knee pain but if I got onto the elliptical the pain was back within 5 min. According to my physical therapist the elliptical trainer is generally bad on womans knees who are 5ft 5in or shorter. I'm 5'4". This is because the stride on the elliptical is made to be unisex and generally men have a longer stride than women. 2 years later I still do not have any knee pain while running or riding a bike, but if I get on the elliptical the pain is right back. I hope that helps and good luck!

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The Scott
35 posts since
Sep 22, 2008

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6. Oct 7, 2009 11:56 AM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

I had the same problem 2 yrs ago when I first started running. Looked at everything except for the most obvious thing. MY SHOES!!!!
The best advise for running is get fitted for shoes. Get a second pair not as expensive but still have the support you need, for non running days. (i.e work and off days) They will last longer.
My running shoes are Pearl Izumi and my daily pair are K-Swiss. Both have the Pronation support I need. K-Swiss were $70 ish and my Pearls were up there, BUT WORTH NO KNEE PAIN!!! YEAH!!!!.

Good luck & hope this helps.

"Get to livin' before you're dead because you soon will find if you're not pushing straight ahead, you're being left behind."

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DougInJohnstown
4 posts since
Oct 7, 2009

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7. Oct 7, 2009 2:09 PM (in response to The Scott)
Re: Question about knee pain

I agree with Mr. Elder. Getting fitted with the proper shoes is most important. Try to find a "real" running store that will analyze your stride and recommend proper shoes. I've had good luck with "Fleet Feet" which is a pretty big chain.

Also it's easy to do too much when you are first starting out. It took me a while to eliminate over-use injuries.

Just keep running!

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gtcurly
3 posts since
Oct 6, 2009

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8. Oct 7, 2009 2:16 PM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

Thanks for all of the feedback. As far as shoes, I went to a running shoe store and they looked at my arches, gait, etc. I bought a $92 pair of Sauconys to support my arches. I'm sure it is a combo of being overweight and new to exercise after a few years off. I'm going to do more stretches, use ice after running, and take Advil to help. I'll also rest when my body tells me to and maybe slow things down with the program. Thanks!

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The Scott
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Sep 22, 2008

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9. Oct 7, 2009 2:20 PM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

Good luck and welcome to the running addiction.

Pearl Izumi has a Skydex pad in the fore foot and heel instead of EVA foam. Thats why I wear them
http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=31&product_id=1358686

"Get to livin' before you're dead because you soon will find if you're not pushing straight ahead, you're being left behind."

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33yrs
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Oct 7, 2009

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10. Oct 7, 2009 2:36 PM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

I forgot to mention that I have been running an average of 30 miles a week for over 30 years and have very little knee pain (I did have a minor meniscus tear repaired in 2002 which I have not felt since). If we want to really get specific, all the following can help:

1. Ibuprofin
2. Ice after running
3. The proper shoes
4. The surface you run on (flat dirt - the best, hilly sidewalk - the worst, all others falling somewhere in between)
5. Gluocosomine/Condroitin
6. The distance you run and how fast you ramp up
7. Your weight
8. Genetics.

Another thing that is important to me is if the pain is active during your workout (not good) or after you are done (better)

But, after all is said and done, as I said before - if it persists see a knee specialist (I recommend Dr. Hammesfahr in Marietta for two reasons - he did my surgery which has been a success and he really does try to keep you running if at all possible)

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purpletreefrog
2 posts since
Oct 4, 2009

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11. Oct 7, 2009 6:53 PM (in response to gtcurly)
Re: Question about knee pain

I'm a little older than you but about the same amount overweight. I've been doing the C25k for about 8 weeks now (although I'm only on week 5) and I was experiencing quite a bit of discomfort in my right knee. Mainly when I was running but also climbing stairs at other times. I went to see an acupuncturist (for something else) and during the first session when he was pushing and poking my legs he asked if I had any knee pain. I said I did and he said he could do something about it. No idea what he did (stuck a few needles in there) but it worked and I haven't had any knee pains since. I hope it lasts. Obviously the best thing for my knee will be if I lose some weight and being able to run should make that easier.

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