Stupid knees!

[walkerag]

Hello all, I'm new to the W.I.S.H. forum and new to the diet and exercise lifestyle. I usually hang out over on the CB.
I just started walking and incorporating running into the walks about about a month ago. My ultimate goal is weight loss. I recently reached my all time high weight at 175 and decided enough was enough so I hit the road! So far, with only having 1200 calories a day or a little less and 2.3 miles of walking/running a day I've lost 10 pounds since Memorial Day weekend

Once I started running I decided that I really enjoy it but started having shin splints. I got some new running shoes and took it easy for a few days and then everything was great for a couple of weeks. Then came the knee pain

Now, I wasn't running 2.3 miles. I've just been incorporating some running into my daily walks (6 days per week). Usually it's run for a minute or 2 then walk for 5-10 repeat, depending on how winded I was from the running. The knees have been hurting for about a week now and I've been taking it easy and just walking at a leisurly pace.

I went to the doctor yesterday and it's my MCL in both knees but more so in the right. He told me NO running or walking for 7 days and to take Alieve for the pain but that I should be fine with rest. I would say on a scale of 1-10 the pain is maybe a 5. It hurts but it's not excrutiating.

Has anyone here experienced this? Once the pain was gone how slowly did you start back? I imagine it'll be very gradual. I just wonder because my husband and I were planning on doing a 5k on August 12th. I don't plan to run it all but I'd love to be able to run a mile of it at least.

Thanks!

 

[cewait]

First, you doctor knows best since he is the one who is treating you. From a very generalized perspective this is not unusual, especially in an overweight beginning runner. As with most injuries, what you are feeling is probably the result of another issue. I would guess, again without seeing you, that your feet point out kind of like a penguin while running. If this is the case, this is not a normal gait and needs corrected. Left alone, you will soon suffer from outer leg pain.

Rest as prescribed.

Again FROM A VERY GENERALIZED NON SPECIFIC POINT OF VIEW
Get a PT or to a gym with a recovery specialist trainer and start working on leg strength. You will be doing lots of fun little exercises like squats and lunges. You are looking to strengthen the inner quad muscle in an effort to come to a more neutral gait.

You must have a hands on approach to assure you are working the correct part of the legs as most importantly use great form

You can and will be able to run part of your 5k.