Knee problems

Morning,

I'm a very keen runner and cyclist, currently training for London Marathon and a series of 20 mile plus fell runs.

I've been getting discomfort on outside of left knee for about two weeks now when running, it was bearable until yesterday when it felt like something was going to snap and i had to stop runnning, i'd gone about eight miles. After resting for a minute or two knee felt ok but i could not lift it back fully, after walking it off for 5 minutes it seized up and i had to keep it straight to keep pain away. Again after a few minutes pain went and i was able to walk then jog very lightly.

Knee was sore and kept locking up last night and this morning it's sore again, feels like it's twisted out of line in some way.

Any help or guidance would much appreciated.

Cheers.

D.

Sounds like either an irritation to the lateral meniscus and or an ITB issue. Both are going to be related to the way you are running and really you need an assessment from someone to see why you're getting excessive joint forces on that side of the knee. The shows you'd wear for fell running should probably be more supportive and those you wear for running on the road. Perhaps that is a consideration as the uneven surface of fell running require a lot more hip stability so as not to place excessive loads on the knee.

Go to a good local sports physio and get a gait assessment and while you're there they can see what structure is being implicated. Remember it is likely that discomfort is a symptom and the problem may lie elsewhere.

Hi Bob,

Many thanks for this, saw a Physio yesterday who confirmed it was my ITB. He has identified an issue with poor muscle development in my buttocks which he says means my knees and ankles are taking a bit of pounding. I've go to rest for a couple of days and include some new exercises to my training programme. Going back next week to him again.

Re shoes, yes i've had these looked at previously and changed, current pair seem ok but maybe i do need a different pair for trail runs?

Speak soon.

Cheers.

D.