Knee pain after running?

Question

I recently started running. I want to be able to run long distance, but my right knee starts hurting after about one mile of running. I can make it 2 miles on a good day before it starts hurting. The pain is bad enough to make my leg buckle, so I can't just run through the pain... I don't want to seriously injure myself. Is this normal for beginning runners? I've been running consistently for about a month, but I can't get over the 1 mile mark because of my knee. Is there anything I can do to make the pain stop. I really enjoy running and would like to continue building the distance that I can go.

Answer 1

before you run you need to stretch for 10-15 minutes. And after you run you should ice your knee even if it only hurts a little. I myself am a long distance runner and I've had all sorts of problems. The best way for your knee to get better might be take a few weeks off, and ice it every night, then start running again.

good luck! and stick with it! running is awesome :-)

Answer 2

I know how you feel!  I've been tackling knee pain for the last 6 months and I seem to finally have it under control.  

1st - Find a GOOD running store nearby and have them fit you to proper running shoes.  Yes, it can be expensive (north of $100), but proper running shoes are crucial.  If you have a Fleet Feet nearby (http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/store-loc... go there.  Ask the person who fits you into your shoes if inserts would be a good option for you.  I know a lot of people who run with inserts, and I've recently started myself and it adds a lot of comfort.  

2nd - Find a running group or a coach who can instruct you on proper running form.  Fleet Feet has training groups who provide this.  There are minor tweaks you can make to your form that make huge differences.  I, for example, need to focus on keeping my toes and feet relaxed when I run and on landing with the proper part of my foot (your heels shouldn't touch the ground).  You may also have too much bounce in your run which could be causing a lot of shock to your knees.  Also, make sure you're running on soft surfaces.  The sidewalk is the worst surface you could run on...step down to the side of the street if you've been on the sidewalk.

3rd - Stretch before AND after you run.  This article has some good advice on how to cure knee pain and has some stretches that you can start practicing as well.  http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,71...

You may also find some better answers to your knee pain here....  http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,71...

Good luck!

Answer 3

I feel your pain i pulled my knee three times turning a track season, sprained the other knee, and now ive got petellar tenditios in both of my knees, but I'm still running both track and cross country. The way i get around the intense pain is streching, heating, icing, and certain extersises. Before i run I would heat your right knee to loosen up the muscels. Then I would take the time to strech extremly well making sure i strech all parts of my leg to keep the pressure and tension off of it. Once your done running ice it on and off for 20 minutes at a time. Also before you run try taking Advil that will keep your knee from becoming inflamed.

Answer 4

are you running on concrete?, cos apparently that can be bad for your knees, your best off running on grass or on a proper running track