Knee pain and running

[pinkflaming0]

I'm 48 and have been running on and off for about four years. Only 5km a couple of times a week, done a couple of Races for Life but nothing serious. Reasonably fit, not overweight. Ran a Race for Life in early June then injured my intercostal muscles on my right hand side - think it was ironing (best avoid that in future!).

Anyway, didn't run for a couple of weeks and during that time my right knee started to hurt and click when I bent it - just in everyday life, bending to pick things up, fill the washing machine etc.

GP says there's no arthritis and it's just my age and to do some exercises to strengthen my thigh muscles.

I've started to run again and after about 3km my knee starts to hurt. Outside at the front and inside at the back. It's now tender at the top of the knee on the outside front.

I'm not sure where to go for advice (osteopath/chiropractor has been suggested - see below). I don't want to stop running but I don't want to end up with a chronic injury either.

Would a knee support help? I tend to think though that pain means there's something wrong so don't want to ignore it/manage it if that's going to make things worse.

I've always thought that my right leg is longer than my left but my Pilates teacher says as my shoulders are level it's more likely my pelvis is out of line. Also my right bum cheek is more muscular than my left apparently! She's suggested a visit to an osteopath or chiropractor. Whether this is relevant or not I don't know. Will probably give it a go.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

I do believe a pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Possibly tendonitis? I have that in my knee joints and it is flailing up more as I'm training for a half marathon, I'm using voltarol cream which has been great and also using ibuprofen. But to be honest, it's just masking the problem!

I've never been to a chiropractor etc but what about a sports therapist? I've been to one a few times and they have been helpful.

It's so an young to get an injury when you are doing well so I feel your pain!

Not "so an young". I mean annoying!!! Grrrr

I have just started running again after 8 weeks off due to injury - I wasn't expecting to take that long, but it did, so I feel your pain (not literally). Do not run on pain, even with a knee support...

I saw a physiotherapist, if you can get to one/afford one they would definitely be my first port of call.

Osteopaths & chiropractors specialise in back/spine problems - your problem might come from your back, or it might not. A physio, especially one specialising in sports therapy, will look at your whole body. Take your running shoes; they'll be able to see if there's a problem that can be fixed by the right level of support in the shoe.

Do not run on pain... as Nicknacky says, your body is telling you something is wrong!

Ah, that a good point about trainers. I change mine every few months and buy Asics with loads of cushioning. My knees really play up when my trainers are on their way out and I know then I need new ones.

Just got new Asics trainers to replace my previous pair. Yesterday was the second time I'd worn them. Bought them from a running shop. So I don't think my trainers are the problem.

Did wonder about a physio - may try that and in the meantime cut down the length of my runs.

Oh, while I was foam rolling in the gym this morning I thought of you! If you have or can borrow a foam roller, that won't hurt. In the sense that the more it hurts the better . Not on the joint itself - but calves and thighs, ITB (outer thighs) and flutes, lower and upper back - it helps to release the muscles so if the problem is due to tightness or over work, it should help relieve that.

Have u had a gait? I did last year after probs with my knees and I now wear support trainers.

My pal had pains at the back of her knees and it was tendinitis. Maybe see a professional.

Just back from GP for very similar!

Had weeks of physio and acupuncture - physio thought my pelvis was wonky and that I have more muscle on the left side of my bum and lower back!

Started with a shooting pain up my thigh and deteriorated to an ache that is there permanently.

Anyway, GP thinks it is chondromalacia patellae, also called runners knee. Need to look at support or taping next and see how I go.

May be worth a google...

You know, when I was running (did C25K and ran for a few months after), I had some pain in my knees. I figured it was to do with an imbalance in activity, so I started alternating running with climbing steep hills. (Living in Argyll, this was easy.) I'd run 5k on MWR and climb a steep hill on T and Th. Within a week, the pain was gone.

This works opposing muscles and strengthens supporting muscles.

At any rate, you may want to try some uphill walking. You don't have to scramble up a wild hill, like I did, but if there's a long road that goes up a hill near you, try walking briskly up it.