knee pain when running on concrete

vern_Fonk · 10-05-2009, 05:16 AM

i know that running on pavement/concrete is a cardinal sin , but sometimes i don't have immediate access to a trail or a track. my left knee clicks a lot when i sit down/squat and it hurts after long runs on pavement. i've probably had this problem for about 6 months now, but it only comes after running (which i don't usually do on a regular basis). I have normal arch on my foot as well as normal pronation, and a pair of cheapo nike running shoes. today about 35 minutes into my run (which was all on pavement) i had pretty bad knee pains in both my knees and they not only felt inflamed but also super stiff.

I stopped running and walked the rest of the way back which eased the pain. Apparently this is a symptom of 'runners knee' , my question is; who here has had it before? and how did you cure it? im thinking that i got this knee pain due to; running too much too quickly (hardly ran before), running on pavement, shitty shoe and probably weak supporting muscles. do you think that by taking a bit of a break, icing it, taking some anti inflamatories, running only on a track and getting better shoes as well as working out quads (ie lunges/squats), i can minimize my pain? so far it's worse off on my left knee than on my right.

McClure · 10-05-2009, 06:58 AM

You've pretty much answered your own question. You need new shoes, and plan on getting a new pair regularly (how often depends on miles ran, surfaces your running on etc...).

Find a trail/track to use for the majority of your training.

Stretch, rest and rotate ice/heat therapy until it's 100%.

godrehs6 · 10-05-2009, 07:05 AM

It sounds like you are doing too much too soon. Running is a very high impact activity. You have to build your mileage up gradually, or you risk overuse injuries that will hamper your training for many months. Be smart about it. I know that this is probably not the best running schedule, but one of my friends used it in preparation for BUDs and it worked wonders for him:

Navy SEAL Workouts

You also need GOOD running shoes or you will f yourself up. I permanently injured my hip using crappy running shoes. Run on grass if possible. You can strengthen your knees by doing peterson step ups:

Peterson Step-Ups for Jumpers Knees

Rest your knees at least a couple of weeks before you try running and or step ups. If you get back into it too soon, you might prolong the injury.

BJJKING13 · 10-09-2009, 03:53 PM

I have the same symptoms , before you diagnois it yourself go see a orthopedic dr to get an opinion not an answer. The first ortho i went to said i needed my knee scoped , i had diminshed height between my bones , and a torn meniscus. I didn't want to believe it so i rested and went back to training. I had the same clicking sensation also , pain when running. Do you also have a giving out sensation? Well turns out i went back a year later and got it rechecked. Before i went i found this article which is pretty much what is wrong with me.

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pic...5&blobtype=pdf

New ortho says no diminshed height or mensicus tear!! Surgery would have been the wrong path to take , i have to start first by trying to strenghten my quads first to minimize the movement in my patella. If that doesn't work shaving the patella would be option 2. I also use a patella brace with the large reenforced ring around it. Seems to have helped.

I have more to say but give me more info on your symptoms.

smedleyb · 10-09-2009, 04:47 PM

Or, you could just chuck the shoes and utilize the natural engineering of the foot to dampen impact. (the distance from the ball of the foot to the heel is essentialy a load-bearing lever) and once the foot, achilles, and calf is strengthened, there is noticeably less wear and tear on the carcass

takes a month or two to get accustomed to, start slow and join the barefoot revolution

Running Barefoot - Shoes? We don't need no stinkin' shoes!

dugforeva · 10-09-2009, 06:28 PM

along with the whole barefoot running phase is chi running. You might want to check that out too.

Breakfast Bar · 10-09-2009, 08:52 PM

In addition to new shoes, you might want to wear a light knee brace when you run. I do that for my bad knee and it seems to help.

somekid · 10-10-2009, 01:05 AM

I've always had bad knees and had a cyst in the back of one the therapist just made me not use it much until it was better and make sure to stretch plenty it has been much better especially when I make sure to stretch.

BodyHook · 10-10-2009, 01:38 AM

Treat your knees to some Saucony's. Those are pretty much the only running shoes I trust.

guza · 10-14-2009, 12:18 AM

I also had knee pain when i started running. Some things that have helped me where proper running shoes and good form. Shorter strides and not landing on my heels, try landing on the middle of your foot. Hope this helps.