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Tips for dealing with knee pain


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Hey All,

 

I recently started running more than ever and have been experiencing some really bad soreness and stiffness in my knees. I am getting older :rolleyes: so I am sure that is playing a part but does anyone have any remedies or tips for dealing with sore knees and legs from running?

 

T

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How old? Running is pretty hard on the knees. I need a new right one, and my left isn't a whole lot better. Running is out of the question for me. My doctor recommends I stick with cycling (road bike, less resistance than mountain/fat tire, or stationary) or swimming, which I hate.

 

Ibuprofen or Aleve, ice, and bracing at night can help. But if the pain is severe, you may want to get checked for osteoarthritis. I swear by Osteo BiFlex, triple strength. Watch for a buy one/get one sale at major chain drugstores. Good luck!

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todreaminblue

i was told rest for blow outs and exercises that put less stress on your knees...i am not a runner ....have done sprints with speed walking.....i have a recurring right knee problem.....i was a dancer ..hope to be again.....if you are carrying extra weight it helps if you drop it..which is what i must do to dance again.........deb

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Very good on knee injuries and how to prevent them or stop them getting worse.

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fitnessfan365

You may have ITBS. Read this article - Iliotibial Band Syndrome | Runner's World & Running Times

 

A lot of long distance runners go for years thinking they have a serious knee injury. But it's really their IT band that gets inflamed which refers pain to the knee. I'd invest in a really good foam roller and get some deep tissue massage work done on your IT band.

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regine_phalange
You may have ITBS. Read this article - Iliotibial Band Syndrome | Runner's World & Running Times

 

A lot of long distance runners go for years thinking they have a serious knee injury. But it's really their IT band that gets inflamed which refers pain to the knee. I'd invest in a really good foam roller and get some deep tissue massage work done on your IT band.

 

Yes! I can confess that myself, even though I'm not a runner.

If your muscles become very tight and painful on your calves check about flat feet - you may need special insoles.

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regine_phalange

Ibuprofen

 

Oh no, no. Not ibuprofen if he can avoid it. This is the drug from hell.

Recently I took small doses for some days and I developed acute renal failure. And my cousin developed ulcer in her stomach some other time.

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Lots of pain associated with sports is due to inflammation. Before heading for the pharmaceuticals research enzymes such as Wobenzym N taken on an empty stomach. Also look up Serrapeptase. And TENS Unit machines are affordable and work. Professional athletes body's face constant inflammation, they use some of these methods. Another product that addresses whole body inflammation is Zyflamend from New Chapter.

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Avoid high-impact exercise like running, skiing, snowboarding, or playing, until your knee is no longer painful or swollen. And remember one thing do not smoke smoking slows healing process because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.

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Don't lean forward when you run, unless you're racing a short sprint length. Try to lean back so your legs are landing forward of most of your weight and not directly under your full weight. Just think of it like a leaf spring. If you keep the legs forward on landing, your muscles deal with most of the shock. If your feet land directly under your full weight, it's more like a piston and your joints will take all of the shock.

 

People that jog are horrible. They don't have the endurance or elasticity to actually run, so they go at pace that is too slow, have a lot of up/down motion and always land nearly full weight above the feet. Hell yeah you're gonna have problems. Run, don't jog! Run faster.

 

Try wearing these Amazon.com: Mueller Jumper's Knee Strap, Black, One Size Fits Most, 1-Count Packages (Pack of 3): Health & Personal Care while you run. They do work, if the pain you have is related.

 

But yeah...don't jog. Run!

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  • 2 weeks later...
tylerwilson

1. Try to avoid putting weight on your knee as much as possible.

2. Ice your knee for 20-30 minutes everyday to reduce pain and swelling or until the pain is gone.

3. You can also use an elastic bandage, or sleeves to give your knee extra support.

If pain is still going on then you must consult with a physician for guidance or you can also show it to a chiropractic therapist.

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I have had knee and hip issues for over 15 years. Basically told I should develop my VMO more. My VL is too dominate so I have a imbalance that causes the knee to off track at times. I also need to strengthen my hamstrings and improve hip flexibiltiy. I have not much of a visable VMO. When compared to my gf who has no knee troubles she has a very definited and developed VMO. I am supposed to do wall sits with something to squeeze together. Maybe this would help

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older + running more then ever = pains. :D

 

I dont know -

 

Cushy running shoes? (Hoka One One)

 

Massage?

 

glucosamine + msm supplment?

 

Evaluate foot and stride while running (places and do this for you).

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glucosamine, stretching, quality shoes, massage, ice and heat, and getting a proper amount of rest. It's easy to overdo it when you don't rest enough between sessions.

 

I went to physical therapy for my knee, and was recommended biking to strengthen those muscles that stabilize the knee. I definitely have improvement now that those muscles are stronger, but the worst culprit for me is not getting enough rest. Several days in a row of strenuous activity will have me regretting it afterwards.

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I also agree with the swimming suggestion. When I had a very badly injured ankle and could barely walk, I went swimming so that I wouldn't have to stop being active altogether. Gentle swimming, low impact, helps the muscles and lightly stretches the various tissues.

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Your first goal is to limit the immediate injury and ensuing inflammation. So:

  • Rest
  • Ice (cycle an ice pack 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
  • Elevation
  • Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen

 

Longer term you want to limit the risk of a repeat injury:

  • Strengthen the muscles that stabilize the knee
  • Warm up before you run and make sure you stretch afterwards to maintain flexibility.
  • Get fitted for the appropriate type of running shoe for your biomechanics.

 

If you haven't already done so, go to a reputable running store. They'll assess your gait and recommend footwear based on your running terrain and gait. They'll also give you tips on posture, etc. to minimize stressors on your body as you run, and suggest running regimens that allow sufficient recovery time during training.

 

If things aren't improving after a couple of weeks, of course seek medical attention.

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