I recently began upping my mileage in prep for a half marathon in May, and after a few 5 milers I noticed a dull ache in my right knee. After running 7 miles last week the ache became more painful, especially when walking down stairs. The next day it hurt a bit just to walk on, and definitely was not helped after a spinning class two days later (knee clicked above the knee cap at heavier resistance). I still have what is now just a dull ache again, having not trained since the soin class yesterday. I don't really know what it is (a friend reckons it's ITB syndrome) and why I have it.
A few years ago I ran a half marathon, and there are only two differences in my training: 1) I have a softer running shoe (I used a pair of train running shoes for the previous one, never had a problem but switched to more 'road-friendly' shoes), and 2) I am doing much more cross-training now, e.g. weights, spin, intervals.
Does it sound like ITB syndrome? Could this be a result of softer cushioned shoes? Or just needing to stretch more? How do I treat it?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Comments
My second answer is, you say the only difference between your training from your half marathon a few years ago is your shoes and cross training. You're also a few years older and that is a difference too. It takes our bodies longer to get used to the increase in training.
You say you increased your training. Have you increases too fast?
I haven't got a clue what you have, but my advice would be to rest. Your half marathon is in may, so you loads and loads of time to train.
How often are you training? Are you over doing it all? Do you have rest days?
I would take a few days off or a week off from ALL exercise. I would ice my knee a couple of times a day. I would stretch. And if no better, I would then go see a Physio.
My pain used to be at the front under the kneecap and it used to be so tender for a day or two and walking up steps/stairs was always the most painful. Hope u find the cause!
I had the same sort of pain, Physio has diagnosed runners knee (patellofemoral wotchamacallit to the fussy). I would get a professional opinion of some kind before trying to fix it.
Thanks for all the response. kafeeg: I have 2 full rest days a week (i.e. no exercise), and although I have increased mileage recenty I have tried not to do this too quickly.
I have only trained threesessions this week, and did nothing with my legs for 4 days, taking care to stretch each day. I did a gym session yesterday with running, stair climbing and step, and the knee seems ok. I have switched back to my old shoes, which have less cushioning, and also concentrated on running form - i noticed I haven't been swinging my arms so not sure if this has anything to do with it?
I have an 8 mile race next Sunday, and will run a short 4 miler midweek, hopefully all the stretching will sort it out!
Thanks for the helpful comments, fingers crossed the pain doesn't return!
Good luck!