Superfeet inserts for knee pain (or maybe a different pair of shoes)?

[tmbacon]

2 months ago I got fitted for some Asics 2160's, the first pair of running shoes I bought since 2003 (it had been that long since I had been running regularly! ). I have this recurring left knee problem which started years ago, and it's flared up again now that I'm back into running. The Asics seem to be OK, I had Brooks before which were fine too. I ended up inserting some Dr. Scholl's knee pain inserts which help a little more with the knee pain, but I am wondering if there is something else I can use to help support me. I overpronate, have very flat feet, and terrible bunions, which is NOT a good combination. I think I need to see a sports medicine doctor/do rehab soon, if I want to continue training for a half-marathon.

In the meantime, has anyone had luck with any type of insert, or a different shoe line, to help reduce knee pain?

Thanks in advance! The thought of not being able to continue running due to this knee just has me so sad. I was even being so careful not to run too much, and not too soon, but I fear this isn't going to work out for me long-term.

Thanks!!!

 

[fashionista311]

So much of knee pain isn't actually problems with the knees - it's problems elsewhere and the pain manifests itself in the knee. Two examples with myself..

a) I have chronic problems with my left knee. I know when the left leg is in the air during the kickback, I can't keep it straight. I am very well aware of this problem, and ave been working on correcting it. While I have gotten a bit better - I have been able to manage it by trying to focus on *every* stride I take. I also think just adding more mileage and becoming a stronger runner in general has helped my body adapt

b) I had an acute problem with my right knee. This was set off by a chain reaction - my shoes were worn out, and the shoe wasn't holding me, which caused me to change my stride, which created a calf weakness, which was manifesting itself in my knee. I switched to a fresh pair of sneaks, and after some time to allow my calf to heal, it seems to be better.

It's impossible to say what is causing the problems in your knee without looking at how you are running. It could be something with your form that's setting off your knee, it could be as simple as your shoe is not holding you. My total blind guess is that since you had issues with the Brooks and now the Asics, it's probably something with your running. But again, total blind guess. I would definitely suggest seeing a physical therapist who specializes in running injury - even one consult could do wonders for you.

Anyways, I totally understand your frustration - I am very flat-footed and have very little muscular strength (working on that!) so I am the most injury-prone runner to mankind. Good luck - I hope you are able to figure out what is causing your pain!!

 

[tmbacon]

Thanks fashionista, very helpful info! I think you are on to something, it could be my form. I have already started to look into setting up an appt. with a sports medicine dr. or physical therapist just to make sure I am not missing something. OrthoCarolina here in Charlotte is supposed to be a really great practice.

So, are you doing any extra measures to support your knees, like a patellar band or some sort of knee brace, or are you just focusing on correcting your gait and doing strengthening exercises?

Who would have thought a simple action such as running could cause all this ruckus and commotion in my life?!?

 

[jemmouse]

OP you sound like you and I have very similar feet....my podiatrist told me to only wear a motion control running shoe. My favorite is the Brooks Ariel. I have tried Asics and it just didn't cut it for me. I also wear custom orthotics in my shoe as well. While I was waiting for mine I did wear the Superfeet green ones.

Honestly I would go to a podiatrist. Your knee pain can be stemming from your feet. If not a podiatrist go to an orthopedic doctor. My bad feet went straight to knee problems and now I am in PT for feet, knee, and hip. They all 3 work together so closely.

Good luck....try Brooks Ariel, they are around $130.00 but if your knees feel better wearing them then it's definately worth it.

 

[tmbacon]

OP you sound like you and I have very similar feet....my podiatrist told me to only wear a motion control running shoe. My favorite is the Brooks Ariel. I have tried Asics and it just didn't cut it for me. I also wear custom orthotics in my shoe as well. While I was waiting for mine I did wear the Superfeet green ones.

Honestly I would go to a podiatrist. Your knee pain can be stemming from your feet. If not a podiatrist go to an orthopedic doctor. My bad feet went straight to knee problems and now I am in PT for feet, knee, and hip. They all 3 work together so closely.

Good luck....try Brooks Ariel, they are around $130.00 but if your knees feel better wearing them then it's definately worth it.

Thanks jenmouse! See, that's what's so weird - when I came in to the store to get fitted a couple of months ago, and they assessed my gait, they could not believe that I had prior been fitted for motion control. They just didn't think it was necessary at all, thus the Asics (which I think is more of a stability shoe). At any rate, the store where I got my shoes is having an injury prevention clinic this Saturday and I'll be sure to stop by. Hopefully I get some good tips and tricks!

I think what's going on is a combination of (maybe) needing a different shoe or maybe custom orthotic, needing to do better/targeted stretching and more strength training specific to my issue. It's so overwhelming all of the information out there, so I need to see someone who can specifically assess my problem and create a program for me.

I STILL can't believe how a simple act of running can create so much havoc!!

 

[fashionista311]

Well - it's definitely not one size fits all when it comes to stability vrs motion control. For example - my gait probably would put me in a motion control shoe - but, I'm such a tiny girl, that the motion control is just too much "shoe" for me, so I do well in the Asics 2000 series. Plus, getting your shoe to fit for your foot shape is really important too. I have a ridiculously narrow foot, and Asics are the only company that builts their shoe on a true AA (narrow width) platform. New Balance does make narrow widths, but they just basically narrow the regular width mold. So while the Brooks Ariel might be a great fit for Jemmouse, it may or may not work for you. And you know what? I bet if you went to 5 different expert running stores, I bet you could find 5 different experts who would put you in 5 different shoes. And, you might be successful in all 5 pairs!

As far as extra exercises go - well, technically, I'm supposed to be doing them. And I do try - but honestly, I am a slacker sometimes. I do what I can, but it's overwhelming at times to get in your running, your cross training, your weights, stretching/foam rolling, and on top of that, extra running drills. But any good PT will be able to show you some drills that help you focus in on your form. It also helps if you go to a track and just watch the really fast, wonderful runners with great form - they are really beautiful to watch, and you can learn a lot, I think.

But again - perfect form is not the end all, be all. You also have to do what is right for you body too. I read somewhere that Paula Radcliff's arm swing (I think that is what it is anyways) is off, and her coaches have been trying to get her to correct it for ages. But hey, take a look at her running "resume" - I think what she is doing is working for her

 

[bounceliketigger]

All excellent points and advise! I've had the same experience & here's what seems to have done the trick!

--Went to PT. Got lucky with a performance enhancement & movement specialist w/ Rothman Institute. Outcome--weak core & glutes. This causes IT band, calves, hamstrings, quads to work too hard, getting weak in areas they shouldn't and overcompensating in other areas. This imbalance pulls the knee joint in odd ways causing pain & disfunction.

--Focused excercises on core and glutes.

--Changed my form & DITCHED my running shoes!! This was a combination of ChiRunning & wearing minimalist shoes, Vibram Five Fingers in my case.

--Running the 'traditional' way with a heel strike causes your joints to bear major impact forces, causing undue strain & injury. Landing on the fore to mid-foot places the impact forces on your muscles, which were meant to bear those kinds of forces. ChiRunning focuses on this kind of form.

--Wearing the minimalist shoes forced me to run with a forefoot strike & builds muscles in the knees & leg in a balanced way. Also forces you to land lightly!
-- I actually had the PT evaluate me in sneaks & in Vibrams. Result--perfect form in the Vibes! Corrected my pronation 100%.

So, after not being able to run more than 6 miles or so w/out the knees buckling or going out, I ran the Princess 1/2 in Feb in Vibrams and had NO KNEE issues whatsoever!! EXTRA bonus--no shin splints! (which I used to get all the time!)

Hope you make out well & don't give up!!

 

[tmbacon]

Well, I bit the bullet and went to Carolina Sports Clinic and met with a sports med/chiropractic doctor. He did a full-fledged assessment, and determined that I do indeed have 'runner's knee'. The issue stems a lot from not having enough power coming from my hip/core areas, and there is too much emphasis on the quads. He did some light work on me, ART and otherwise, and is going to get a PT program together for me to fix what is needed and make sure going forward I stay injury-free!

All along I thought it was my fabulously flat feet as the only problem - but it seems there are actually other things going on with me to cause this knee pain.

I cannot believe how great I feel knowing that I spoke with someone about this! I am feeling much more hopeful that I CAN continue with running and complete that half-marathon now.