Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I did get new really good sneakers, but the inside of my right knee always KILLS when I workout/run.....every time I start a program. I lay off and go back and it starts again. Its so frustrating since Im really motivated to get myself in shape. Im going to switch from any high impact exercises other than running to maybe an exercise ball.

What can I do to prevent this from happening? Anything? Every time, I give up on my program bc my knee hurts.

Any supplements, stretches, exercises? Im definitely not overdoing it. Im only running 3xs per week and its walk/run intervals.

HELP! TIA!

Message edited 6/12/2010 12:30:33 PM.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I had the same problem last summer! I know how frustrating it can get. I would take a week or two off then go back to running and within minutes the pain would be back in the inside of my right knee. I had it X-ray'd and they didn't see anything. My dr. recommended I take about 4 weeks off and work on strengthening my quadricep muscles (the big muscle on the top of your leg above the knee). I did this by doing lots of squats and lunges (with a dvd I had). It totally worked. I started running after 3 weeks and the pain was totally gone and has not come back. I strength train about 3-4 days a week at my gym (classes mostly), and that really helps. Maybe have it checked out by a doctor, just to rule out anything serious. Good luck!

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Try an over the counter knee brace. They helped my knees...it has like a super strong spandex that holds your knee cap in place or something...either way, CVS or whatever will have them...

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

You prob have loose joints and are overextending when you run. I have issues with my knees thanks to genetics. My joints bend too far in the wrong direction. As pp said you need to strengthen the muscles that hold the knee in place. Lunges and squats are great for this. Just make sure to always keep your knee behind your toes. Google knee strengthening exercises and you should get a bunch of sites to help.

Beware of knee braces. They can ease the pain by holding your knee in place but can cause more harm than good if it is not positioned correctly. I needed 8 weeks of pt one time and they corrected the positioning of my kneecap with a brace that was properly fitted by my doctor.

good luck

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I just wanted to let you know that I tried 3 different types of braces and none of them made the pain go away. It wasn't really a problem that could be solved that way. Then I went to the doctor and he recommended the strength training. So I would see a doctor before trying anything.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Thanks. Ill look into strength training....I had no idea your quad would be related.

Im not in excrutiating pain....more of a PITA pain.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

This happens to me too. What I have found that helps me is taking fish oil capsules (it lubricates your muscles, tendons and joints) and stretching your hamstring.

The gym I go to has these styrofoam logs (they are about 2-3 ft long and about 4 inches in diameter) and I use that to stretch.

Here is a video that shows what I am talking about. The exercise she does at 2:40 minutes will hurt at first but the more you do you the less it will hurt. It is also best do it after a work out.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Did you ever get fitted for sneakers? Even if they are good shoes, if they are not the right support for the way you run they can cause problems. I used to buy great shoes but it turns out they were not the right shoes for my feet. Since going to a running store and having them watch me run and walk, and then recommending sneakers- I've had no problems.
Hope you can figure this out soon.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I agree about strengthening your leg muscles.... I had the same issue with knee pain & it really does help. I also agree about the sneakers... good sneakers have made a world of difference for me.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I had the same issue with my knees - started after running. I saw an orthopedist and it was diagnosed as
Chondromalacia Patella> I went to PT for it 2-3x a week for 3 months to strengthen the quad/knee muscles and now I have to keep up on the exercises at home or it creeps back up on me.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I would definitely recommend seeing an orthopedist. My knees bothered me for some time before I discovered that I have "flat feet". All I needed were arch supports and my knees haven't bothered me since. Your problem could be something as simple as that or it could be something more. It's always good to get checked out

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

I had that when I was younger. Found out my knee caps were turning inside. Did 6 months of PT to avoid surgery.

I had to strengthen my quads to hold the knee cap in place.


1/ talk to a Dr to rule out anything "bad"
2/ Get yourself some PT sessions with your insurance

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice. My knee is feeling better after I rested last week. Its still bothering me a tiny bit, but not so bad. Either way, I have an appt with my Dr next week to rule out any injuries and to see what I can do about it. Talk about being motivated this time....last time my knee hurt, I gave up. This time, Ill be damned if it stops me.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Maybe you can get shock absorbing inserts for the inside of your sneakers when you run.

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

You got great advice, just wanted to say I am right there with you...I took 10 days off and finally my knees are feeling better, although the right one isn't 100%. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical last night and felt ok. I am working on strengthening my quads because, like you, I am so motivated and I can't let this injury sideline me!

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Posted by Carolyn

You got great advice, just wanted to say I am right there with you...I took 10 days off and finally my knees are feeling better, although the right one isn't 100%. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical last night and felt ok. I am working on strengthening my quads because, like you, I am so motivated and I can't let this injury sideline me!

Re: Knee pain, what to do, so discouraged!

Posted by eddiesmommy

Posted by Carolyn

You got great advice, just wanted to say I am right there with you...I took 10 days off and finally my knees are feeling better, although the right one isn't 100%. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical last night and felt ok. I am working on strengthening my quads because, like you, I am so motivated and I can't let this injury sideline me!

good for you!!!! What are you doing to strengthen your quads?

Proud of you!