Runners - any knee problems?

[MRSchultz]

OK - now that you've all inspired me to take a look at running a marathon I do have a couple of questions for ya. ;-)

First: Anybody have trouble with your knees? When I get up to running 7-9 miles my knees start to bother me a little bit? I usually take ibruprofin (sp?) and that helps, but I'm wondering if I'm just covering up a problem that could get really bad if I keep at it?

Second: I'm here in Minnesota (high of 45 degrees today, ugh!, cold spell going through today) and just wondered if it would be exceptable to train a lot on a treadmill during the winter months? Sometimes the weather and streets are just not safe to run and train so I could use my treadmill if that would be OK? I know that it's different, but just curious what the rest of you do.

Thanks,
Run On.........

~Marcia~

 

[benvonwojo]

Hello, Marcia:

WHen I start to have trouble with my knees/anklesfeet, I buy a set of inserts to put in until I can get to the store to buy a new pair of shoes. Believe It or Not, running shoes wear out very fast.

I find running that on the treadmill just isnt the same as running outside. I think its the terrain and obstacles that make an outdoor run a really good workout. But, when you just cant run outside the treadmill is a good temporary substitute.

Suzanne

 

[fitxme]

Hi Marcia,

I think you made an excellent decision...go for it!!

First, as far as you knees go, I would go to a specialty running shoe store and make sure that you are wearing the appropriate shoes for your foot-type. If you get new shoes and find that you still have pain, I would go see a doctor. Make sure that you are doing strength training to build up your quads and calf muscles. Those muscles surround the knees and the stronger they are, the better they can protect your knees.

Second, I live in the midwest and experience some pretty intense winters also. I get out as often as I can but when I can't I find that treadmill training suits me just fine. It's better to do that than nothing at all...right? What I will do is always set the incline at at least 2% which will give you that "outside" feel and keep you challenged.

Good Luck!!

~Marietta
FITXME
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Marcia...I agree with Suzanne and Marietta about the new shoes. Checking with a specialty running store is a great idea. I know for me..I go thru ALOT of running shoes. I have been fortunate not to have knee problesm and like Marietta said keeping the muscles surrounding the knee strong might be what has worked well for me. I do leg extensions on a weight bench 2-3 times a week. Cathe does standing ones in L&G if you have that workout. That exercise hits all the muscle surrounding the knee...

I've never trained on a treadmill so I can't help you there......Carole

 

[dani21496]

Inserts work! I have flat feet and was starting to have problems with my knees and ankles as the mileage increased. The orthodic inserts really helped.

ETA: (like others have said)Having your feet analyzed at a specialty running store is a must too. It's so important to have the right shoes.

 

[Redeye]

Here's what I advise to eliminate joint irritation from running:

1. Get good shoes. Get fitted by experts if you can.

2. Don't run too many consecutive days; take days off from running; crosstrain.

3. Vary the running surface and avoid running on concrete (the street or a sidewalk) if you can. Asphalt and dirt tracks are softer than the street; a treadmill is good, too. If you HAVE to run in the street next to the curb, the foot next to the curb will be lower than the other foot. Change directions so you don't run with one foot always lower than the other.

4. Use good running form; alternate the lead foot.

HTH

 

[banslug]

Fortunately, I have no knee problems (KNOCKING VERY HARD ON WOOD RIGHT NOW)!

As for the treadmill, I live in PA and am a single mom to 2 young boys. Simply, I cannot get outside to train for my marathon other than when I have a sitter for the long runs on Sunday. I run my runs during the week on the treadmill. So far, I don't mind it at all. I hear of people who HATE the treadmill, but so far I don't have a problem with it. It is starting to get cold here, but I still intend to keep the long run dates with my training team outside!

Gayle