Pain around the knee while running..

I'm 21, 6'5 and about 170lbs.

Recently, I have been getting some sharp pains behind my knees (and slightly in the inside) while running. I haven't been able to narrow it down to problems with my knee, muscle, or running technique. As I run I feel minor pops when bringing my legs down followed by a sharp but short lasting pain. Does anyone have an idea of what could be causing this? There is a history of knee problems in my family but it only goes back to my mother and she's only had problems for a few years. Hoping to rule out that possibility since I'm so young but would like some insight so I can continue my exercise regiment.

Thanks

Does it hurt on the first step of your run or does it only hurt towards the end or the middle?

Pain in the knees can be caused by bad posture (internally rotated femur for example), bad running technique (landing on your heels rather then your midfoot), and also it could be that your not physically prepared to be putting in the mileage you are now. Whatever it is, it will need to be addressed before you can start running seriously. Dont try to push through the pain as it could easily get worse and then your left with a chronic condition.

Check out this article: http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2009/11/shoes-sitting-and-lower-body-dysfunctions/, especially part 4.

It generally hurts throughout the duration of the run. I'm going through the article right now, and it's a good help. I do tend to land in my heels, not entirely but enough that a difference is felt. Thanks for the advice, I'll be trying different techniques and sorting through the article for more.

Suitcase said:

It generally hurts throughout the duration of the run. I'm going through the article right now, and it's a good help. I do tend to land in my heels, not entirely but enough that a difference is felt. Thanks for the advice, I'll be trying different techniques and sorting through the article for more.

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One thing thats good for kind of forcing good mechanics is vibram five fingers, or just barefoot running if your brave enough.

there are two main causes of knee pain for runners.

Runner's Knee

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

see which of those symptoms fit (if the pain is on the "inside" of your knee - i.e. underneath the knee cap - it's most likely runner's knee), dial back your mileage, look into some strengthening exercises and make sure your shoes are in good condition and right for your stride.

Suitcase, you really should STOP running until you get this sorted out. Continuing to put large amounts of stress on your knee is only damaging it further each time you run, therefore extending the rehabilitation period.

I highly recommend that you see a physiotherapist, preferably a sports injury specialist, to get it fully checked out. They can then not only relieve the pain you're experiencing but also give you strengthening exercises to do to provide better support for the knee.

An article I read recently suggested that if you suffer from stress-related injuries from running, you should aim to shorten your stride. This reduces the overall stress put on the lower legs. The article was mainly discussing the effect of this practice on the shins, but it is relevant for knees, ankles, etc as well. Nothing to be embarrassed about doing a bit of an old-man shuffle, especially if you're going for longer distances

And also, as double ewe said, make sure your running shoes are in good condition (if you're running practically every day you need to replace them every 8 months or so!), and correctly fitted. Shoes are really important.

Good luck!

n3ophy7e said:

And also, as double ewe said, make sure your running shoes are in good condition (if you're running practically every day you need to replace them every 8 months or so!), and correctly fitted. Shoes are really important.

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the rule of thumb i use is that shoes should be replaced every 400-600 miles, depending on your weight and the amount of support they provide.

^^ Yep, my rule of thumb is about 800km, which is about 500 miles. Same same

That's going on about 25km a week, which isn't actually that much.

if you don't have any previous injuries, stretch more, do lighter weights, or just give it a rest for a bit

if you do have previous injuries, change your exercises for a few weeks and see what happens - try a bike, or that ski machine thing, substitute other exercises for running to have a try .

Or maybe try buying a Neoprene knee support? It has helped me out loads, wouldn't be able to train without it.

Just from personal experience, I'd say it sounds like it may be a cartilage problem. You may have been wearing down the cartilage in your knee for a while and now your starting to have some symptoms. I would for sure take a break, take ibuprofen and ice it regularly and make an appt with your doc. Trust me, knee issues are not something you wanna wait around and see if it just goes away. You're pretty young to have cartilage problems, but i'm guessing you've been a runner for a while. It's great exercise, but horrible on knees, no matter what kind of precautions you take. Good Luck!

medicamy said:

it's great exercise, but horrible on knees, no matter what kind of precautions you take.

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