Slight knee pain - what to do about excercise?

[BCO]

I've taken up a bit of running over the last few months and have made some progress from being completely unfit to running a 5km in about 28 minutes, but a few weeks ago I started feeling some slight discomfort in my left knee.

I looked it up online and it seems that I need to do some strength training for my legs in order to give my knee support. I had continued running and had been doing some exercises that didn't require bending of the knees (like straight leg raises) and it seemed to help, but then I also started doing squats and the knee pain returned.

I think I need to go to the physio in the new year once I have funds in my medical savings account, but my question is, should I stop running entirely till then? I don't want to lose all my fitness, so I was thinking maybe rowing on a rowing machine, or is the constant bending of the knee still not good?

 

[longboy]

After being overweight and unfit for years, I decided to take up jogging and light gym sessions.

My right knee swelled up like a balloon and I could not walk. My brother had to literally support me as I hobbled into the car and take me to the doc. So my advice is do not overhydrate and take it easy for a while.

 

[TheGuy]

Do you have proper running shoes?

 

[Beachless]

Do you have proper running shoes?

+1 and have someone look at your running and buy the appropriate shoes.

Cycling is a good alternative low impact exercise though to give the knees a bit of a break.

 

[ponder]

Swim, very little if any impact.

 

[BCO]

Do you have proper running shoes?

Yes. I went to the Sweat Shop in Dunkeld on the recommendation of a runner friend of mine. Tried on several pairs and the sales guy watched me jog in them. Ended up with some Asics Cumulus.

 

[srothman]

Did they measure your foot, ie the bridge, arch, etc? All that can have an effect on your joints if not fitted properly? You can look at getting gel inners that will mould to your foot for a close to perfect fit.

In any case, I suggest seeing a physio, like you mentioned. If you can get one that actually specializes in sport-related injuries all the better.

I see a physio about once every three months with all the bumps and bruises and what not I pick up along the way, and she is worth every penny.

 

[TheGuy]

Yes. I went to the Sweat Shop in Dunkeld on the recommendation of a runner friend of mine. Tried on several pairs and the sales guy watched me jog in them. Ended up with some Asics Cumulus.

Ok cool so shoes are sorted. Did you not maybe push too much too quickly hence the reason for getting hurt?

 

[BCO]

Ok cool so shoes are sorted. Did you not maybe push too much too quickly hence the reason for getting hurt?

I don't think I pushed too hard too soon. Did the couch to 5k program and then slowly started bringing my 5k time down from like 35 mins to around 28 over the course of about a month. Will check with my physio in the new year.

 

[BCO]

Did they measure your foot, ie the bridge, arch, etc? All that can have an effect on your joints if not fitted properly? You can look at getting gel inners that will mould to your foot for a close to perfect fit.

Nah he just watched me run. I might go back there for a follow up.

In any case, I suggest seeing a physio, like you mentioned. If you can get one that actually specializes in sport-related injuries all the better.

I see a physio about once every three months with all the bumps and bruises and what not I pick up along the way, and she is worth every penny.

Will definitely go to the physio in the new year.

 

[snowwolf]

I looked it up online

That may be your first problem. Yes, whilst there is a plethora of information on the internet, using it to "self-diagnose" an issue is possibly the worst decision you could make for yourself. Go to a proper medical practitioner and get a proper diagnosis. What could be a small issue that you self diagnosed could actually be something else. Go. See. A. Medical. Practitioner.

Do you have proper running shoes?

+1. This would be the next step after the above. If all is in order, get yourself a decent pair of shoes if you want to take this up full time. Running is very strenuous on the knees and the shoes help this somewhat.

 

[BCO]

That may be your first problem. Yes, whilst there is a plethora of information on the internet, using it to "self-diagnose" an issue is possibly the worst decision you could make for yourself. Go to a proper medical practitioner and get a proper diagnosis. What could be a small issue that you self diagnosed could actually be something else. Go. See. A. Medical. Practitioner.

Ok I will definitely go. It just has to wait till Jan. Should I avoid any strenuous activity on the knee in the meantime just to be safe?

 

[snowwolf]

I'd suggest that. Avoid high impact sports. If you aren't in severe pain, then it's not an emergency, so it can wait. But rather be safe than sorry.

I had what started out as a minor pain back in '03, that, when diagnosed in '04 after I left it untreated had worsened and resulted in torn cartilage and an op to have it removed.

 

[BCO]

I'd suggest that. Avoid high impact sports. If you aren't in severe pain, then it's not an emergency, so it can wait. But rather be safe than sorry.

I had what started out as a minor pain back in '03, that, when diagnosed in '04 after I left it untreated had worsened and resulted in torn cartilage and an op to have it removed.

Noted, will do.

 

[syntax]

Your discomfort could be from a variety of things.
I would go to a biokineticist and get checked out.

in the meantime you can do walking, cycling (possibly) or swimming.

 

[Ianf1]

Go see a podiatrist and take your running shoes with you.

 

[Chi Chi]

Definitely get it checked out by the physio, but in the meantime why not use one of those knee support braces? I struggle with my knee & use one of those, which helps - no knee pain at all when I run

 

[Stevi]

Your discomfort could be from a variety of things.
I would go to a biokineticist and get checked out.

in the meantime you can do walking, cycling (possibly) or swimming.

+1

No need to see a physio, go straight to the bio so they can work on your flexibility as well as strengthening your hips and core to help take the load off the knee.

 

[Stevi]

Definitely get it checked out by the physio, but in the meantime why not use one of those knee support braces? I struggle with my knee & use one of those, which helps - no knee pain at all when I run

Using those braces for extended periods of time make the muscles weak as they get used to relying on the braces to do most of the work.
Rather look at fixing the cause than treating the symptoms

 

[BCO]

+1

No need to see a physio, go straight to the bio so they can work on your flexibility as well as strengthening your hips and core to help take the load off the knee.

I was actually wondering whether it should be a physio or a biokineticist.