Knee Pain!!! TRAINING POSTPONED!

[DISprincessWANNABE]

I am getting so frustrated. The Princess is my first half marathon, and I am so excited about running it. My training was going great, and I was actually a bit ahead of myself distance-wise (according to the Hal Hidgon plan). That is, until....

In December I managed somehow to contract MRSA (a serious staph infection) under my left eye. The doctor told me to lay off working out for a while because he didn't want sweat to drip into the infection, and certainly didn't want me me back in the gym because that's where I may have picked it up. I stopped running for about two weeks.

I finally made my way back to the treadmill (it's been a bit snowy here) last week, ran 4 miles Tues (felt great), 2 1/2 on Wed, and then on Thursday, I could hardly complete 3 miles of running. My knees were so sore.

I've tried running since (my 8 mile run on Saturday turned into 1.5 miles and 1.5 miles of limping) home. My right knee feels fine now, but my left knee hurts so much to run on. Even walking (especially downstairs) is tough. It feels like it needs to pop or crack. Anyone have any similar problems?

I know I should take it easy, so I haven't really run since Sunday (attempted a walk/jog for 2.5 miles). I've been cycling at the gym instead, and trying to strengthen up my quads with some strenth training. Oh yes, I've been doing some icing and taking Advil as well. I just don't want to fall to far behind in my training.

I am so determined to run this race, but now I fear I won't be able to. I could use a little Disney magic!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Hi there,

Sorry you are in pain!

You didn’t mention your running shoes at all. If they aren’t brand new, is it possible you’ve put too many miles on them?

To start, I’d use the RICE method. Rest, ice, compression, elevation. Take a few days off completely. No cycling. Then see where you’re at.

If you’re still in pain, there’s a good chance you have runner’s knee or maybe an ITBS issue. Where in your knee is the pain? Underneath or on the side?

You might want to see a sports doctor or physical therapist before you put any more miles on your legs. Better to get some advice now from a professional than end up with a stress fracture. This close to the race, you’re not going to want to deal with that.

Good luck.

 

[cewait]

I'll second heading to the doctor if it continues for a period of a couple more weeks.

Most definitely, looking at your running log my impression is that you have ‘runner’s knee’ which is an over use injury. The creaking/popping is called crepitis and is not abnormal especially in an inflamed knee. Even when it feels better, you can feel a slight grinding in the knee if you are sitting on the edge of the table, put your hand on the knee cap and then raise and lower your leg.

Take the rest of the week off and ice the knees. Then take it a little less enthusiastic on the next start up and only every other day.

Then if you cannot get back on stride, get to the doctor. They may provide an Rx for therapy and for a j-brace to help keep your patella (knee cap) in alignment.

 

[deleckidesign]

I agree w/what Coach says. I had this issue when I did my 10 mile a couple weeks ago. I know it's not my shoes as they don't have too many miles and assumed it was an overuse injury! I took a few days off resting them and icing them. It seems to have helped. Just take it easy even when you start back up again. Build back up slowly and if it doesn't go away, get to a doc.

 

[DISprincessWANNABE]

Thanks guys! My knee is still very sore (perhaps worse), but I haven't run at all since Sunday. I do have a *slight* problem resting--I walk to and from work (an hour each way) and I feel a bit lazy/gross if I don't go to the gym. I have been taking it easier, though. Only about 20 minutes of light cycling a day (which feels good), and concentrating on upper body/abdominal strengthening in the meantime.

If this knee doesn't feel at least a little better on Monday, I'm making an appointment with a doctor. I am desperate to run this half marathon (and I mean run--no walking)!

 

[slp1650]

I would definitely go see someone for the knee issue. I compete in triathlons and screwed up my knee last year during one, waited almost 2 months to see someone and it turned out to be a muscle issue that was solved with stretching and a good rub out from the physical therapist. I wish I had gone earlier to get it taken care of because it definitely created issues with both my triathlon and half marathon training.

Also, checking your shoes and insoles (if you use them) is a major thing. A lot of running stores can check what kind of step you have and can find the right shoe for you. It really can make all the difference!

Keep your head up though! Go get it checked out and hopefully you can get it to a point where you can run part of the race and walk the rest, or even alternate.

Good luck and I hope your knee gets better!