Runners Knee?

Question

Ok I have started running - early days yet. I was initially using cross trainers on my feet then bought a generic pair of nikes. The problem I'm having is occasional twinges in my knees. The right knee I have experienced a few one off sharp pains and the left knee a few one off twinges to the right of the patella. Never during running usually while sitting down. What shall I do is it a shoe issue (no twinges with cross trainers) or simply a case of taking a few days off? Thanks in advance. Initially I was running cross country now it's road work. I run/walk 2 miles.

Answer 1

try switching back to your old trainers and see if it goes away. It it is still present see a doctor.

Answer 2

make sure you stretch your quads good and some leg extentions or light wieght squads would be good for ya

Answer 3

Maybe try getting your running gait analysed you may be over/under pronating (spelling probably wrong) which would put pressure on your knee

Answer 4

Generic leisure shoes or gym cross trainers are NOT appropriate for running.

Get to a proper running shops (NOT JJB, or other high street sprots shop) and let the staff to a gait analysis.  This involves watching you run to determine a number of things such as whether you're a heel striker or midfoot runner, whether you're flat footed, or whether you pronate excessively.  Based on that assessment they will determine the right footwear for you.

I would hazard a guess that you pronate quite a bit and your patella maltracks while you run.  If you heel strike the impact will be worse as you're more likely to overstride.

There is a lot of technique to running.  Read up on it.  But get proper shoes before anything else.