Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Knee pain after 5k run go to docs?

24 replies

Neapolitanicecream · 13/08/2018 08:15

My teen son 13yrs did 5k run on Saturday it was a concrete path as we were away (his normal run is in woods). He has been complaining of knee pain since walking around and up and down stairs. Not sure if he needs to be seen or what they could do ? Should he be running again ? Does anyone have this issue what did u do ?

OP posts:
Medea13 · 13/08/2018 08:28

Rest, ice, compression, elevation, ibuprofen. Not a matter for a GP.

lastqueenofscotland · 13/08/2018 08:29

Sounds like runners knee.
Little a doctor would do, rest, ice and elevation.
No running until it’s not painful

SoapOnARoap · 13/08/2018 08:31

I wouldn’t waste a GP’s time with this.

What Medea13 said, is spot on

Original poster
Neapolitanicecream · 13/08/2018 10:20

I’m worried as the others seemed fine. But wondered if this a sign of future knee problems as I’ve heard that running can be very damaging for knee joints resulting in knee replacement

OP posts:
HelpmeobiMN · 13/08/2018 10:22

I wouldn’t bother with a GP as you’ll just get the same advice PPs have given!

Running on concrete can be very bad for the joints so if he can go back to avoiding it that’s great. You could also see a physio - they’re often better placed to diagnose long term joint problems than GPs and can give him strengthening exercises.

PollyFlint · 13/08/2018 10:24

But wondered if this a sign of future knee problems as I’ve heard that running can be very damaging for knee joints resulting in knee replacement

He's a 13-year-old with a sore knee. I don't think you should be worrying about an operation he might need when he's 60, and your GP won't be able to confirm anything at this point, so it would still be a waste of a GP's time to take him.

A sore knee for a few days after a 5k run isn't a big deal; it's really common and not a GP issue. If it gets worse and worse instead of improving with rest, then you go to the GP. But now? No.

Pringlecat · 13/08/2018 10:27

As above. If this is the first time he's had pain, rests up and is fine, not worth a GP. If it doesn't get better... physio.

Although, I'm not sure if you could get this on the NHS. I've always gone through private health insurance for running activity - I don't suppose he's covered by a parent's family policy?

stayingaliveisawayoflife · 13/08/2018 10:29

Maybe someone should have warned Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah about the dangers of running on concrete! Sorry but I don't think a five k at 13 will cause knee damage that will need a replacement!

runningkeenster · 13/08/2018 11:19

I’ve heard that running can be very damaging for knee joints resulting in knee replacement

You've heard a load of nonsense, then.

You're less likely to need a knee replacement if you run than if you don't.

It also helps to prevent you getting fat, which is also good for your knees as being fat puts a lot more pressure on them.

Your 13 year old will get over it. The first time I ran a 5k (on a Sunday) I ached until the following Thursday.

What I would suggest to anyone running regardless of age is that they do some strength and conditioning work to improve muscle strength. And if you do get a niggle, back off for a few days. A lot of people overdo it, but 5k isn't overdoing it.

pinkhorse · 13/08/2018 11:23

Was he wearing proper fitted running shoes where they analyse the gait? Running does hurt joints if you're running on concrete when you're not used to it. Did he stretch and warm down properly after?

MissCharleyP · 13/08/2018 11:27

Could be nothing to do with his knee. I had this last year and it was an ITB injury, it stems from having weak glutes and hips, the band that runs from your bum down to your knee can come out of place if your hips and glutes don’t hold it in place and it then rubs on the kneecap causing pain. I’ve had physio (private) for mine, best diagnosed by a GP or physio then treatment if needed.

zzzzz · 13/08/2018 11:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NicoAndTheNiners · 13/08/2018 11:35

GP will pretty much say if running causes pain stop doing it. At best you might get a physio referral but only for a chronic issue after you've tried rest, Ice , etc.

JynxaSmoochum · 13/08/2018 11:46

Running is good for bone density and joints. Being sedentary and long term weight gains are bad for them.

Rest and ibuprofen will see most minor niggles sorted in a couple of days. For longer term, repeated niggles, a physio or osteopath is good for identifying causes which may not be directly obvious. Concrete is harder for impact and may require a differently fitting shoe for support and cushioning. It can be a shock to the joints if you're not used to it.

My joints are in better condition in my late 30s than they were 20+ years ago. Looking at family history, I may well not reach the end of a long life with a full set of original joints, but I may as well keep fit and have a good recovery and get the milage out of them while I can Wink

Original poster
Neapolitanicecream · 13/08/2018 12:15

Yes he has proper running trainers. He cares about staying fit and enjoys parkrun but I am worried as Both grandparents on my side had knee replacements early ie 60ish. So want him to run safely IYSWIM. We can’t afford private and are not covered so would need Gp referral for physio but I guess this would not be high priority! I want to get the balance right so I guess I will steer h away hard surfaces to the regular woods parkrun thanks for helpful comments will try RICE

OP posts:
zzzzz · 13/08/2018 21:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Blobby10 · 13/08/2018 22:07

I wouldn’t have taken my sons to the GP for this would have gone to the sports Physio we use - they are much better placed to work out what’s wrong . At that age you need to watch out for Oschgood Schlatters (probably spelled wrong!!)

Blobby10 · 13/08/2018 22:07

By the way the sports Physio appt costs £45 x

Firtreefir · 13/08/2018 22:19

I would just pay for a one off physio appointment - it only costs about £40-£50

Firtreefir · 13/08/2018 22:19

They'll give him some stretches/exercises to do, and advice on how to run safely

Hoopaloop · 13/08/2018 22:41

125% make sure his shoes fit properly and are suitable for running on road. If he's new to running, he'll get sore but this should ease as he gets more into it. Off road is preferable but flip side is uneven ground although this eventually strengthens all the balancey muscles.

RedPanda2 · 13/08/2018 22:49

Most knee issues in runners are due to the glutes, as MissCharleyP said

GoodHeavensNoImAChicken · 13/08/2018 23:01

The GP will not do much except what previous posters have advised and at best print off a sheet of knee exercises (which you can find on google) or refer you to a physio (the referral may take months anyway). They will only x Ray when there’s significant cause for concern (or mri if a ligament injury is suspected) If you want decent sports physio you have to pay. Can be about £30 for a session but you can just go once and they’ll give you plenty of advice so it’s not a waste of money.

Some GPs have a self referral physio service so you could ask about that when you ring; would save a GP appt.

Have a look online for knee exercises and give them ago when they’re less painful in a few days.

serbska · 13/08/2018 23:03

It will probably be better in three weeks, which is as long as it will take to see a GP!

Rest it and see if it improves over the next few weeks. Then take action if not.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page