Deep Knee Pain Should I run through it?

[Deleted User] · March 2012

I am training for the Brighton 2012 Marathon and througout my training been suffering from knee pain. The pain began when I was running up to 20 miles a week which is pretty feeble. Initially I stopped training for just over 2 weeks and then gradually edged my way back into it.

I have been doing one 7-8 mile run in the week and then attempting the long run at the weekend. The pain was OK up to my 13 mile run but came back on the 15 miler right at the end and appeared after only 4 miles of my 16 miler a week later. I struggled through it with walking breaks but eventually gave up at mile 15 and walked the rest of the way. The pain subsided when walking but whenever I attempted a slow jog the pain shot straight back.

I am stuck as to what to do now? Would a supportive strap help? Will I ever be able to complete 26 miles? I am very worried!

Any advice extremely welcome!!!

Philomena Cunk · March 2012

Cut back on the mileage and cross train. Carry on running and you will be watching in the crowd.

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Hi

I have the same problem as you , I feel I am running out of time to train. I got to 16 miles, running 18 and extreme knee pain. Still bad now, so fed up. Are you still going to run the marathon ?

Keeley

[Deleted User] · March 2012

I feel for you. It is so frustrating! I am still going to try and run the marathon - is all I can do. I have 18 miles to run this weekend so am going to swim twice this week, try a small run on weds and then do 6 mile jog with half a mile walk and repeat for as long as I can up to 18 miles at the weekend, not sure how that will go but I have to try, I cant give up. I have read up about various knee issues and may invest in some shock absorbers for the shoes and try and train on flatter surfaces. Does your knee hurt all the time or just when you train?

Six Physio · March 2012

NO - don't try and bust through it...you will break (well the odds are against you)

Get on your foam roller and have 10 days off. Get on a bike or in the pool. The deep pain is cartilage breakdown....

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Hi Katie,
Have you seen anyone about this, GP or Physio?
Might be worth it and some Physio clinics will do free assessments for runners this time of year.
Are you local to Brighton?
Tom

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Don't run through it. I had knee pain a couple of weeks ago and have now pulled out of the half I was training for on the advice of a physio. My IT band is too tight and the knee was taking the brunt. I'm having twice-weekly deep tissue massage (OUCH!) and have been told not to run and certainly no cross-training. Lots of stretching is required. One event isn't worth long-term injury...better to get it sorted and look at the big picture.

[Deleted User] · March 2012

It's hard to rest when you haven't done the longer runs in preparation for the marathon but Six Physio may have a point there.

That said I'm doing Brighton too and I know I'd really struggle to rest now if told to. Your plan to do run-walk-run is good, maybe do that more regularly than planned. A short walk break every 2-3 miles might be better than a long walk break after 6.

You mentioned a knee support, that might help. Worth a try. Taping can be really effective too.

You could try a change in running surface for training, see if grass is any more comfortable on the knee. Poly Sorbutane insoles may help reduce some impact during training too.

Must be frustrating if it's an ongoing issue and it's interupting your training.

rosie roadrunner · March 2012

Katie, my advice would be to get a diagnosis as quickly as you can, preferably from a physio who specialises in sports injury. Same happened to me a week and a half ago and was diagnosed the same as Hartles, its treatable and may not mean the end of your marathon, I'm still hopeful for Brighton - but I am having do do some serious stretches, icing and work with the foam roller. But seeing the physio has given me hope and the confidence that I am doing the right exrecices for the condition. I may get there undertrained but the plan is to be pain free.

[Deleted User] · March 2012

I'm doing free assessments for runners at my physio clinic in Brighton, if you're local. Should have a free slot on Thursday. I saw 2 runners who needed help before the Brighton Half Marathon both completed the race just with the advice from a free one off session.

[Deleted User] · March 2012

I havent yet gotten a proper diagnosis as my local gym's injury clinic want to charge £38 for a half an hour consultation. I have researched online and in various books and the condition which most matches my symptoms seems to be iliotibial band syndrome. Does this change my outlook? I couldnt bear to drop out of the race but can't afford physio!! : (

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Tom, that is AMAZING. I am in Winchester so not a million miles away. I can look into getting some time off work on Thursday to make the trip. Could you let me know what time slot you have free? Thank you!!

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Winchester, that's my old home town! Bit of a trek for you. It's about 2 hours on a good day. I know an excellent physio in Basingstoke (Mark Randall). He might not do a free session but he's closer and you'd save the petrol money.

I'll check the diary and find a time for Thursday but if you prefer to be seen locally I'll get Mark's contact details for you?

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Thanks Tom,

It would be great if you could let me have Mark's contact details, may work out cheaper in the long-run?

[Deleted User] · March 2012

I feel your pain literally.. Started running again yesterday and have been feeling shooting pains in my right knee. Was planning on taking a day off and starting again tomorrow but it seems like a bit more rest and maybe a swim along with some good stretches should get it back on track.

[Deleted User] · March 2012

It would work out cheaper, especially if you needed more than 1 session.

Mark's details are

Mark Randall Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic
Unit 1b Basepoint Basingstoke
Stroudley Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8UP

Telephone: 07971 972779

He's very experienced and has worked in sport a long time. He's a recreational runner too which also helps! I've left a message with him saying you might call. If you need any more info feel free to email me tomgoom@gmail.com. I'm sure Mark will take good care of you.

Hope it all works out for you, see you at Brighton Marathon finish line!

stutyr · March 2012

Just to echo what others have said, you need to get it checked out. The knee's a complicated structure and there's a lot of different potential causes (some minor, some major). I wouldn't self diagnose as the symptoms for different things can be very similar, and no forum member can give you a definitive diagnosis from your description.

PS I'm writing this whilst recovering from an arthroscopy to remove some torn cartillage from my knee. This has prevented me from running VLM this year, so I'm talking from bitter experience! This was diagnosed as several different things (all ending in -itis!) before the MRI found the real cause.

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Physio assessment booked for tomorrow. Thank you all for your advice!! Will let you know how I get on!

[Deleted User] · March 2012

Thanks for all of your advice, I had the knee looked at - Thank you Tom for your recommendation! Turns out I am twisting my legs when I am running so the edge of my kneecap is grinding on the bone, need to do some muscle building excersises to try and change the way I run and perhaps get a shoe wedge but looks like I should be good for the Marathon so very happy about that! Thanks and good luck to you all!

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Deep Knee Pain Should I run through it?

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