Is this runner's knee?

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Is this runner's knee? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-08-29 3:41 PM

New user
3

Subject: Is this runner's knee?
I've been following the BT beginner ironman plan and this past week was "run week". In my opinion this didn't seem right to ramp up from ~3 hrs. of running a week to 6, but went with it and tried to take care of my knee afterward (easy paces, ice, stretch). Well, I have had problems with my knee before when ramping up too much mileage too fast and usually it goes away after a few days (even if I don't stop running/biking). Well this has been lingering for a whole week (maybe longer) and it will not go away.

First of all, I will say that the knee doesn't cause me any physical pain, either while running or sitting around. It seems pretty tight and I can "feel" it, but it doesn't necessarily hurt. I tend to not feel it when I get warmed up and into my run, but if I stop for any reason then I feel the tightness again. I always feel it during the bike, continuously; but again, no pain, just tightness. The main place where I notice it is about half an inch up my leg from the knee cap, also slightly the front of the knee too.

I've been freaking out about this and may see a doc soon but wondering if anyone has any idea what this is before I go in. Anything at all would be helpful.

Thanks.

Edited by MartiK 2009-08-29 3:41 PM

2009-08-29 3:54 PM
in reply to: #2378136

Veteran
142
10025
South Jersey (Cherry Hill)
Subject: RE: Is this runner's knee?
Could it be a tight IT band? 
2009-08-29 3:57 PM
in reply to: #2378136

User image

Expert
1215
1000100100
Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Is this runner's knee?
If it is your IT Band, you need to get either a foam roller or a Trigger Point Quad Baller.

I use the TP Quad Baller to roll out my legs.  I had a bad case of ITBS earlier this year and that cleared it up.

I still try to make it a daily routine.
2009-08-29 4:48 PM
in reply to: #2378136

User image

Champion
5782
5000500100100252525
Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Is this runner's knee?
MartiK - 2009-08-29 1:41 PM I've been following the BT beginner ironman plan and this past week was "run week". In my opinion this didn't seem right to ramp up from ~3 hrs. of running a week to 6, but went with it and tried to take care of my knee afterward (easy paces, ice, stretch). Well, I have had problems with my knee before when ramping up too much mileage too fast and usually it goes away after a few days (even if I don't stop running/biking). Well this has been lingering for a whole week (maybe longer) and it will not go away. First of all, I will say that the knee doesn't cause me any physical pain, either while running or sitting around. It seems pretty tight and I can "feel" it, but it doesn't necessarily hurt. I tend to not feel it when I get warmed up and into my run, but if I stop for any reason then I feel the tightness again. I always feel it during the bike, continuously; but again, no pain, just tightness. The main place where I notice it is about half an inch up my leg from the knee cap, also slightly the front of the knee too. I've been freaking out about this and may see a doc soon but wondering if anyone has any idea what this is before I go in. Anything at all would be helpful. Thanks.


Doesn't sound like runner's knee...that is (basically) just to the inside of the knee, alongside (and sometimes behind) the kneecap.  It does actually hurt (I've had it), doesn't just "feel tight".  It will get worse from sitting and you'll recognize it by the fact that it flares up when going up or down stairs.
2009-08-30 2:14 PM
in reply to: #2378186


286
100100252525
Subject: RE: Is this runner's knee?
tcovert - 2009-08-29 4:48 PM

MartiK - 2009-08-29 1:41 PM I've been following the BT beginner ironman plan and this past week was "run week". In my opinion this didn't seem right to ramp up from ~3 hrs. of running a week to 6, but went with it and tried to take care of my knee afterward (easy paces, ice, stretch). Well, I have had problems with my knee before when ramping up too much mileage too fast and usually it goes away after a few days (even if I don't stop running/biking). Well this has been lingering for a whole week (maybe longer) and it will not go away. First of all, I will say that the knee doesn't cause me any physical pain, either while running or sitting around. It seems pretty tight and I can "feel" it, but it doesn't necessarily hurt. I tend to not feel it when I get warmed up and into my run, but if I stop for any reason then I feel the tightness again. I always feel it during the bike, continuously; but again, no pain, just tightness. The main place where I notice it is about half an inch up my leg from the knee cap, also slightly the front of the knee too. I've been freaking out about this and may see a doc soon but wondering if anyone has any idea what this is before I go in. Anything at all would be helpful. Thanks.


Doesn't sound like runner's knee...that is (basically) just to the inside of the knee, alongside (and sometimes behind) the kneecap.  It does actually hurt (I've had it), doesn't just "feel tight".  It will get worse from sitting and you'll recognize it by the fact that it flares up when going up or down stairs.


I agree, doesn't sound like runners knee/chondromalacia. I have had a pretty bad knee problem since May (essentially ruined my season). I won't bore you with my details, but I'd say for overall knee health stretch the quads and hips (as they tend to get tight from biking in the aero position), foam roll like a madman (seriously), and possibly work on strengthening the Gluteus Medius and Minimus muscles (as triathletes are prone to developing imbalances). Maybe see a Doctor, and get a script to see a good physical therapist who specializes in running and /or biking. The PT a lot of times are more helpful than the doctor.

This is all based on my experience and what I learned this year. I am in NO WAY a professional.
2009-08-31 6:21 AM
in reply to: #2378136

User image

Expert
937
50010010010010025
Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: Is this runner's knee?
Did you get fitted for the proper shoes for your gait? If you over pronate you may need to jump up to a shoe with more stability.

Also, you can google knee strengthening exercises to find ones to help stabilize and strengthen your knee. It's not ITBS unless it's on the outside of the knee. Runners knee is a possibility if you feel it in the front of/behind your knee cap along with on the top of it.

If you happen to have a local running club, ask them and find out who the best sports doc is in the area and get a referral.



New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Is this runner's knee? Rss Feed