[nursesrock]

I've begun training for that 5K at the end of January. I'm on a treadmill because of the cold, but I'm beginning to get a bit of a sore right knee. I've been athletic in the past, but not much of a runner. It doesn't seem to bother me until after the run. I can research this online elsewhere, but I'd like to know from those of you that have been training how your knees are and what your trainers do to help. I don't want to hear it from a seasoned runner who weighs 120 pounds. Maybe my knees are special

[Nell]

I use a treadmill some during the week and at times my knee hurts after & during actually, but not so much when I'm just walking without the treadmill. Do you walk on an incline that seems to help me some.

[MotoCO]

First you have to have a good pair of shoes. That is absolutely essential!!! I would make sure you go to a runners store and have them fitted espeically for you. There are several in the Springs area so I know there has to be in Denver.

Make sure you ice your knee after your workouts and lay off for a bit before you try again. If you continue to have problems then see your doc.

I want to do to the Run for your Life Zombie 5k. hehe There are several locations around the US.

I used to run and am married to a marathoner. I did a 5k end of summer but I walked it. If it is too soon to run them walk it honey. It isn't who gets to the finish line first...it is all about who finishes the race!

[Martee]

I started running around 6 months postop. I didn't attempt any formal running program, such as Couch to 5k - C25K Running Program, nor did I ever give thought to proper foot wear or stretching properly. Ultimately, I paid the price when I developed what was originally thought to be runner's knee in my right knee. I was referred for physical therapy, which turned out to be an amazing experience! At my first appointment and initial evaluation, they deemed my problem was with my MCL (medial collateral ligament, the ligament that runs just on the inside of my knee) due to poor foot strike, falling arches, and improper stretching before and after running.

For one solid month, I worked with both a physical therapist and an athletic trainer to get me back in shape. They helped me develop a stretching and strengthening program. They suggested the use of orthotics (I bought some over-the-counter products to help with my arches and noticed a dramatic difference), as well as better running shoes. As others have suggested, consider getting fitted for running shoes...and track your miles on the shoes.

I was hesitant to attempt running while I was undergoing PT, but I decided to give it a shot and ran on Thanksgiving Day at my local high school track (mind you, I hadn't run for about a month). My first lap around the track, I noticed a slight pain in my knee. I immediately started thinking about my foot strike and how much I seemed to be guarding my knee. Once I corrected my foot strike, I noticed the pain went away. My knee started tightening up a little on laps 12 and 13, but I knew I was approaching my stopping point. I accomplished running 3-1/4 miles before heading to relative's homes for Thanksgiving dinner. My physical therapist about slapped me the next day when I went in for my PT appointment (she joked with me about how I was supposed to be slowing down to fully recuperate!), but she was thrilled that I was able to assess my pain and make corrections that helped me accomplish my run.

It's not easy being a runner, but it sure can be fun! There's nothing better for me than lacing up my shoes, turning on my iPod really loud, and heading out on the road. It's the only time of the day where I am free from home stressors, kid's whining and tattletaling, food (and all of my obsessive thoughts about calories, fat, protein, sodium, carbs, and fluids). Now that winter has arrived here in Michigan, I am giving serious thought to purchasing a running treadmill.

I hope your knee issue resolves and you are able to make some simple minor adjustments or changes. I tried running through my pain (mine had gotten so bad that my pain started as soon as I took my first step and didn't go away once I stopped running), but this only made my recovery longer. Don't make the same mistake I made. Ice it after your runs, and don't hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!

[DocSanae]

Treadmills can actually be harmful to your knees. Yes, you need good shoes, and you also need a good stretching and strengthening program. I agree that you should get together with a trainer who can assist you in your training.

[Perfesser]

Switch to an elliptical. Similar motion, no impact to the foot, knee and hip joints.

CT

[judst]

Something that helped my knees is wearing those patella bands. They help relieve knee pain caused by patellar tendonitis. You can get them at Walmart.