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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To feel so down in the dumps about this?

66 replies

Leonie87 · 18/11/2018 21:35

So I recently took up running to shift some baby weight. I've never enjoyed exercise. Never been my ideal weight. Lacked a lot confidence with it etc.

Couch 25k changed everything. I've been doing it for around 8 weeks now and can run 30 mins. I can't believe it.

The issue is that both my knees are fucked. They are so painful after every run. I have tried strapping them up. I've changed my shoes. I've worn shock absorbers. Nothing works.

They are getting worse with each run to the point I now have to leave two days betwen each run to etc them recover.

I am so frustrated. I feel like I'll probably need to stop running and I don't want to. I don't want to just get fat again. I've lost over a stone.

Why can't they just...function.

OP posts:

Jenala · 18/11/2018 21:39

I'm with you. Running is also the only exercise I've enjoyed and I now have a persistent knee injury that starts hurting after less than a mile.

My friend is a physiotherapist and assessed me, the issues is weakness in one leg for me (knee pain is one sided) and hes given me a set of exercises to do. Trouble is I hate them and find them really boring and hard to stick to despite desperately wanting to run again. I just want to run not fuck about on the floor.

That being said it could be weakness elsewhere causing your issues. For my DH is was weak glutes caused pain. I'd see a physio and see what they think. Hopefully you're more focused than me and you might be able to fix it.

Jenala · 18/11/2018 21:40

Sorry for the weird typos. Hopefully it makes sense

MrsL2016 · 18/11/2018 21:42

Road running can be really hard on the joints. Is there anywhere you can run on softer surfaces and see if that helps?

bluejelly · 18/11/2018 21:43

Take a week or two off. It will made all the difference. Then start slowly again.

John4703 · 18/11/2018 21:44

Have you tried cycling? Less damage to your knees and yet still a really good workout.
Swimming is good too.

I can't run but cycling and swimming are helping my lose weight.

Birdsgottafly · 18/11/2018 21:47

How heavy are you?

It might be better to drop more wright and then start running.

I nearly did my knees in, so lost two stone and had a lot less issues.

Original poster

Leonie87 · 18/11/2018 21:50

I have dropped from just under 12 stone to 10 stone 12. I'm 5'3 so to get back into my healthy bmi range I have another 12 pounds to go. So yeah definitely overweight but I don't think massive?

OP posts:

Summer23 · 18/11/2018 21:53

I would agree with the person who suggested running on a softer surface. Good cushioned trainers should support you well too. Is it definitely not muscular? When I first started running I ached after every run. Provided I stretch off after a run, I don’t have any pain. I hope you don’t have to give up.

Foslady · 18/11/2018 21:54

I did the same as you - knackered knees, feet.....so damn annoying!

BetsyBigNose · 18/11/2018 21:55

What about using the cross trainer? It's loads easier on the joints, but of course you're stuck inside rather than being able to enjoy the freedom of running outside. Maybe worth a try though?

Well done on your weight loss!

ReflectionsofParadise · 18/11/2018 21:55

You need to go and get fitted for proper running trainers.
You need to go and speak to your GP for a physio referral.

Also, could it be shinsplints rather than your knees?

Original poster

Leonie87 · 18/11/2018 21:58

It's painful right under my kneecaps. It is tender to touch. I don't think it's shin splints as I've had them before (cross country in school 😖) and it's not the same feeling.

Will definitely try running on grass or on sand and I'll get a really decent pair of shoes too. GP for a physio referral will also be happening

OP posts:

Beansandcoffee · 18/11/2018 21:59

Give the knees a good massage before your run - like a warmup. Ensure you have decent trainers. Warm up and warm down properly. Run every other day ie have a rest day(S) between each run.

dontyouforgetaboutme · 18/11/2018 22:01

Warm up. Massage down. Hot bath and go to get fitted for proper running trainers. Changed my life.

Well done for starting. You've. Done amazingly well. Don't give up without trying proper fitted running shoes from a proper running shop that watches you run and 'precribes' shoes.

Darkstar4855 · 18/11/2018 22:02

Agree with the previous advice to try to avoid running on hard surfaces for a bit, take a week off and let your knees recover and get running shoes properly fitted in a running shop where they assess you on a treadmill. Good shoes are expensive but worth every penny.

To maintain your fitness you could also try alternating running with a non-weightbearing exercise such as cycling or swimming.

Don’t be disheartened - when I first took up running I had loads of problems with niggling injuries and pain for the first few months. Now I rarely have any problems.

Original poster

Leonie87 · 18/11/2018 22:04

Thank you all for the responses I feel a lot more optimistic now.

OP posts:

TheSmallAssassin · 18/11/2018 22:05

Make sure you go to a specialist shop and get them to assess you actually running in different shoes, my local shop films you running on a treadmill to make sure the shoes are right for your gait. It sounds a bit daunting, but wherever I've been they've been really friendly. Don't be afraid to ask if they can do a better price.

Popc0rn · 18/11/2018 22:05

Where did you get your shoes from? I also love running and have a knee that will not cooperate sometimes!! So frustrating! A friend recommended I go to a local running shop and get a "gait analysis" - they filmed me running on the treadmill in different shoes, and helped me pick the right one. Have you tried something like that when picking out your shoes?

Blanchedupetitpois · 18/11/2018 22:08

You need a physio! Changed my life!

Original poster

Leonie87 · 18/11/2018 22:08

No. I'm just using a pair of trainers because I didn't want to spend a fortune on running shoes if I wasn't going to stick it out. So this is definitely needing to change. I hadn't realised it could have such an impact.

...how expensive is expensive?

OP posts:

EchidnasPhone · 18/11/2018 22:10

Check your shoes but also get them to check your gait and how you run. My knees were a problem so saw a physio who gave me exercises for my hip flexors and quads. Has really helped.

diymania · 18/11/2018 22:10

Have you seen a physio? You really need to see physio to assess what the problem is. And take at least a week or so off to let your knees recover. The physio will provide exercises to strengthen the weak areas and then you’ll be good to go again.

FusionChefGeoff · 18/11/2018 22:10

If your knees are hurting, bizarrely it is most likely to be a hip, glutes or thigh issue.

So physio definitely!

Warm up properly, particularly stretching thighs / hamstrings.

I use a foam roller which is an excellent and quick way to really get things warm.

The knee joint is supported by muscles and if they aren't strong / warm / stretched enough, it comes under too much pressure / strain.

There is definitely hope!

confuzzled42 · 18/11/2018 22:11

Stretch, stretch and stretch some more. Knee pain is very often not even related to the knee joints it’s often muscular so try hamstring and quad stretches and calf stretches. I can tell when I haven’t been stretching properly -at all- as my knees and feet start hurting.

Popc0rn · 18/11/2018 22:11

The guy in the shop also showed me how to use kinesiology tape properly to strap my knee when it started hurting again.

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