Knee Problems

I can't help you with a recommendation, but I can't emphasize enough (based on my own experience) the importance of finding a really good sports orthopedist, preferably one who has worked with endurance athletes.  And then be very clear with that person what your goals are, and that you are willing to work your A$$ off to meet those goals (assuming that you really are, because when these guys hear 'work' they will/should take you seriously!).

Most surgeons that deal with professional athletes will also take 'normal' patients, although most insurance plans will require that you get a REFERENCE from your primary care physician, which leads me to...

If your doctor will just say 'ease off and forget about it' even when you tell him or her that you have higher hopes than just being able to get to the toilet at night on your own steam, then you need a new doctor, one who will take your ambitions as an athlete seriously, and who will make the effort to find an appropriate specialist for you to see.  These people exist, but you will have to ask around.

You might get lucky and get a helpful reply here, but I think you will have a better chance of success by trying to find out who in your area serves local professional athletes.  The telephone is probably the way to go here.

Another option would be to visit the web site of the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons  and search for doctors in your area.  Get the list, and then do some further research on the individuals that turn up.

check your health care plan before making any trips to your traditional doc .... if you're in an HMO that is not an open access plan, yeah, you'll need a referral

if you're in a PPO or a POS, check your network and go right to a specialist

thanks to the poster above who mentioned not going so hard in the high gears ... thought I was working my legs well but I am noticing that little strain from time to time

"Knee pain" is a bit vague as  there are a few things that could be causing the issue. An irritated IT band will cause pain on the outside of the knee. "Runner's" knee is usually felt under the patella. "Jumper's" knee (which I get) is sort of between the two. All require ensuring your shoes are in good shape, that you are following a moderate plan to ramp up your mileage, and doing some hip/knee stabilization exercises. You can find a lot of information online about easy, everyday exercises that will help (assuming that's what's causing the pain).

Backing off for a little bit may also be a good idea. If things are getting very irritated, you want any inflamation and tearing to adequately heal before moving on in your training.

Thanks for all the answers,  Yes I was stupid and was running about 6 weeks ago.  I was pretty solid at 50 minutes, including about 4 warming up.  I was pretty solid at this, with 5 miles.  So it was a good night and I carnked out 1h 17 minutes and a little over 7 miles. It started about mile 6, but hey I can run though it, bad choice. 

So after tht I ws lucky to get a 6 maybe 7 minute slow run, like maybe a half or 3/4 mile.  Now I have slowly got up to yesterdasy race. 

I thought it was IT band by reading things here.  It starts on my outside and every time I come down it feels like the whole side and front of my knee are cramming together.  Today I am fine, a little sore on stairs this morning, but that is just race sorness.

It was stupid to jump up in distance and time instead of ramping up.......But it was a cool feeling hitting a new distance for me.  I will call my Doctor in the morning and start with her.  Next race is September 20th.

Joe