running & knee pains

[JustMe]

Hey guys! My usual running time is 30 min. with about a 2 mile walk. I walk everyday, but run every other day. I upped my run to 35 min. earlier this week, and my knee hurt really bad. While running or walking, I never felt any pain in my knees EVER. So I'm taking a week off from exercising. Do you guys experience the same things?

Maybe I need new shoes, too, because I could feel my feet on the pavement somehow.

Hey JustMe!

You might want to consider getting some MSM powder for your twice-a-day smoothies.

http://www.naturalzing.com/nzsupp4.htm

The reason why I mentioned twice a day is because it takes 12 hours for the body to eliminate MSM. For best results, MSM should be taken with Calcium Ascorbate powder (main ingredient of Ester-C).

Just read the enclosed link about MSM from Natural Zing. Then use Google to check out facts about MSM and runners. I have been using MSM for about 18 months -- great for faster recovery especially after my long runs.

If you don't mind, please tell us about where you run. Running on concrete sidewalks is the worst thing you can do for your legs. Also, running along cambered curb on the streets is bad for your knees since one of your legs would be lower than the other. Ideally, it is best to run on a level and soft surface. Do you have a park teeming with sidewalks? If so, try running on the grassy part next to sidewalks.

Of course, your running shoes could be another factor. It won't hurt to be seen by a running specialist. Is there a running shoe store near your home? Maybe it is high time for you to pay a visit if you are serious about running.

It is always best to lay off from running for the duration when you are in serious pain.

Take it easy!

Wayne

[avrawcado]

yep, it has happened to me. i think it has happened to all of us.

it could be time for new shoes, or it could be that you added too much too fast. all the running books have a chapter on knee pain....they say what the pain means depending on the location of the pain. they'll tell you if it means you need stronger thigh muscles or if it is an injury you have to rest from. there might even be this type of info on a runner's site like runner's world.

they say that when you are ready to add more running to only add 10% per week.

[JustMe]

I love that mag, "Runner's World." Well, it's actually the only running mag. I've ever read.

I did read my fav. marathon book by Dawn Dais. Her knees were hurting as well, & she's a couch potato. She just sucked it up and ran. Her times are a whole lot longer than mine, too. Running 20 mi. on a Sat. morning!

Rawbie -- Thanks for the response. I'll remember to look up some info. on MSM & calcium ascorbate! My body does take a while to recover like 1 week! aw! No running on concrete for me unless I have to. There's that usual sprinting after my fur baby every now & then, when she runs away to go play.

AV - the book I have doesn't go much into knee pains. So I'll look for books that go into it a little more. My thigh muscles suck. That could be it, too. I already put out a calling for new shoes.

Thanks guys!

JustMe -- I didn't think you were running either fast, often or too long. 30 minutes every other day is not unreasonable. That is why I was questioning about the running surface and your shoes as well.

For what it is worth, you might want to check out this link:

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdo...ports/147.html

There are stretching and strengthening exercises in the enclosed link that you could do while recovering from your knee injury. Just don't overdo them!

One last word of wisdom -- if the pain continues to persist for more than a week, please have an orthopedic doctor, who enjoys running, check out your knees.

Have a speedy recovery!

Wayne

[JustMe]

Thanks for the link, Wayne. I'm okay today, & I think yesterday, too. No worries.

My mom said it might be b/c I've gained weight, too.

[carolg]

Hamstring and calf injury months ago; been seeing chiro; tonight feels like it's not working as I wished it was during turbokick box so took it slow.

What about honey rubbed in to the leg? I'm thinking sleeping with it wrapped in plastic bag. Tom. thinking chiro.

carolg

[Care4raw]

When I up my speeds running I can sometimes invert or do something with my foot that I am not doing at slower speeds. I have to consciously undo what I am doing.For instance recently I had knee pains on a leg at a higher running speed so I adjusted. I came down on that painful leg on the outside of my foot instead of flat or the slight inside.. It was self correcting although it felt like an abnormal 'gate' for me. It took the stress off and stopped the unconscious torquing I had been doing .

If you don't know what you are doing (which is likely), just do the opposite .Come down like i did on the opposite side of your foot for instance.

There's places that will video you and analyze your running tendencies for you, and retrain. However I think you can work on it yourself, at least at first.

Here's to our longevity in running by being smart and aware with our strong bodies!