I run really badly

[toysoldiers]

I have recently started running and worked up to 5k.

However I think I have really poor technique which is causing problems with my knee.

I broke my foot about 10 years ago and I think I instinctively try to protect it by doing something odd with my stride which seems to be affecting my whole leg.

What should I do. I can't really afford a personal trainer but really need someone to look at me run and tell me what I'm doing wrong.

[cybbo]

A physio appointment?

[toysoldiers]

I hadn't thought of that

Would they help my running or just the problem foot / knee etc

[cybbo]

Well when my h had a bad neck they asked him to take his road bike in to see if the set up of handlebars etc was causing his neck strain. They are about preventing injury as well as treating

[cybbo]

They might recommend orthotics for your trainers to prevent your foot From turning wrongly

[OlympyWindowMash]

Worth getting checked out by a specialist sports physio or osteopath. I developed injuries when I did couch to 5k and I saw an osteopath who identified I have one leg slightly shorter than the other. Apparently this is fairly common. It puts a strain on the shorter leg and causes hip and/or knee problems. I wear a neoprene inner sole and no longer have the problem.

[toysoldiers]

Will definitely get it checked out.

There is a sport's therapist my friend uses so I might try him first.

[indiegrrl]

Maybe also try gait analysis - you can get it done free at many good running shops e.g. Up and Running. It isn't perfect and certainly shouldn't replace physio, but it does enable you to see what you are doing wrong (if anything) and might be worth a look before you make a costly physio's appointment? I began running again 18 mths ago after 15 years away; the gap was largely to a disc injury in my back, so I was paranoid about ensuring I didn't do anything wrong when I started running again. I found gait analysis useful, but I also found a good sports physio who recommended pilates to strengthen my core and address some minor posture issues. One-to-one sessions are expensive but IMO well worth it, as physios are more focused on particular injuries whereas pilates is about posture and core control. I'd see a physio first, tho. Good luck!

[hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman]

Physio appointment!

DD is a keen sportswoman, she liked running but it didn't like her and it caused her a great deal of pain. A decent physio has identified her problem, made her orthotic insoles and sorted out her problems. She did her first triathlon in 5 years yesterday and I could not believe the difference the physio has made to her run.