my first post on here.....but I have a question I am hoping that someone can give me some good advice!
I have been training for triathlons for the last 2 years, and finally completed my first one about a month ago. However, I am NOT a runner, it is my weakest sport of the three, and I get very very sore knees. When I train, after about a 3 mile run, my knees get soo sore that if feels as if my kneecaps are literally moving each time I take a stride. Any advice please to make this stop!??
It sounds to me like the level of support in your shoes is not right for you. Get a gait analysis at a running store and that should help you figure out what proper level of support would be.
Alternatively, you could have a muscle strength inbalance in your legs. I imagine if running is your weakest sport, then those muscles are probably weaker than your cycling muscle group. This type of thing can cause issues with your knees as well.
My guess is just that you have the wrong shoes though
Take this for whatever it's worth. Last night when going to bed I was reading the March Runners World magazine. They have a piece called "Running Through the Ages" which has different advice on various age groups. In the 40-49 age group they mention sore knees, and to consider taking joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin as a fix. I have never taken it them, nor spoken to anyone that has.
Sore knees could be a serious issue. If the pain persits, then you might want to get it checked out. I take glucosamine and anti-inflamitories and it helps a bit (I am suffering from tendonitis of the knee).
Could be a strong possibility that you have a muscle imbalance or even muscle weakness. I know that you are without saying a very fit person, but with running being something you don't do as often, you could very well have a weakness of a number of muscles. I agree with Kdogg in getting a gait analysis done. If you have a weak arch, this causes your arch to collapse, causing your knee to collapse in, causing your patella to track laterally not in its normal motion, causing pain. This can be corrected with a shoe better suited for your gait and corrective weight training. Or could just be age. Hopefully provided a little insight.
I'm 46 and have had occasional knee pain over the years... sometime so bad I've had to stop running at all for many months... POSS SOLUTION ..
A friend with similar problem and age did some pilates training, which basically said she was runnign with shoulders forward and letting her feet "fall" to the ground, so putting pressure on the knees with every step. INSTEAD she was advised to make a conscious effort to run leading with her HIP{S, and putting her feet down...
She's had no problem since. And I've tried this running style and not had knee pain in two years.
I also have been taking chrondosomin/glucosomine and fish oil tabs daily ...but I have NO IDEA if they work at all. Changing my running posture definately made a difference.
Glucosomine does work well! It takes a while (4-6 weeks) before you notice a difference, but it is worth it.
I just went to an orthopedic specialist and he strongly suggested new shoes that concentrate on cushioning. You can research a list of suggested cushioning shoes online.
In addition to strengthening your thighs, stretch them as well. They pull on your tissue under your knee cap, so stretch your thighs. Ice your knees for 15 min. after each run.
I'm also hoping to get some advice about knee pain. A week ago Sunday, I ran a 4 mile run with brand new running shoes that were fitted for me. I made it through the run and afterwards could barely walk up the stairs. The pain has not subsided since and I cannot run. There was no swelling, just pain on the inside of the knees, does anyone have any insight or advice?