Runner's Knee (Chondromalacia)

[Fire]

Does/has anyone ever suffered 'runner's knee'?

If so how did you fix it.

I've suffered it in my left knee for the last three years on and off, it really shits me as running is one of my favourite parts of training. When it flares up I usually substitute my running for the exercise bike to keep my weight down. The bike does the job but I love nothing more than putting my ipod on and running, blows off a lot of steam and it's just good to get out in general.

I've been reading about it on the net and there's so much different info out there on it. Hmmm, maybe it's time I go to a physio about it.

It shits me no end and any help/advice would be appreciated.

Cheers.

p.s. I wear a compression knee brace on my left knee when running, but even that is not helping anymore.

 

[Cliffhanger]

Have you been diagnosed by a specialist familiar with running injuries? Lots of people are misdiagnosed with chondromalacia when they really have tendon problemds.

Chondromalacia usually occurs as a result of not training the major muscles around the knees properly or having a bad technique. It all comes down to being more conscious of your knee placement so you can self correct your technique.

Firstly, I would recommend seeing a specialist.

In regards to rehabilitation, start swimming and bicycle riding, these put less pressure on your knees and strengthen the muscles in your legs.

Squats and lunges will help you become less susceptible to these injuries in the future, but maybe hold off on them.

 

[Fire]

Have you been diagnosed by a specialist familiar with running injuries? Lots of people are misdiagnosed with chondromalacia when they really have tendon problemds.

Chondromalacia usually occurs as a result of not training the major muscles around the knees properly or having a bad technique. It all comes down to being more conscious of your knee placement so you can self correct your technique.

Firstly, I would recommend seeing a specialist.

In regards to rehabilitation, start swimming and bicycle riding, these put less pressure on your knees and strengthen the muscles in your legs.

Squats and lunges will help you become less susceptible to these injuries in the future, but maybe hold off on them.

:thumb. Good advice. Yeah I'll go see a specialist then. Maybe see a running coach too I think. Cheers!

 

[Danish]

A word of advice on physios.... make sure you find one that specialises in sports injuries. A lot of them are like chiropractors, homeopaths and a bunch of other professions who basically don't actually try and cure your problem and instead just treat it with the hopes you'll keep going back for months and months so you want to make sure you find one who knows what they are talking about.

Something you might want to take a look at is ITBS as well. I had ITBS pretty bad last year, which apparently gets mistaken for runner's knee a lot. Essentially it was a very sharp pain running down the side of my thigh and behind my knee cap whenever I ran more than a few hundred metres. Would dull down after a day or 2, but if I ran again BAMM!!! would flare straight up again. Fixed it with a series of stretches, a foam roller, and patience.

If it does turn out to be runners knee, then Cliffy's advice is pretty spot on. If you still want to run, adopting a midfoot strike technique will definitely help ease the pain in your knee/s.

 

[Fire]

A word of advice on physios.... make sure you find one that specialises in sports injuries. A lot of them are like chiropractors, homeopaths and a bunch of other professions who basically don't actually try and cure your problem and instead just treat it with the hopes you'll keep going back for months and months so you want to make sure you find one who knows what they are talking about.

Something you might want to take a look at is ITBS as well. I had ITBS pretty bad last year, which apparently gets mistaken for runner's knee a lot. Essentially it was a very sharp pain running down the side of my thigh and behind my knee cap whenever I ran more than a few hundred metres. Would dull down after a day or 2, but if I ran again BAMM!!! would flare straight up again. Fixed it with a series of stretches, a foam roller, and patience.

If it does turn out to be runners knee, then Cliffy's advice is pretty spot on. If you still want to run, adopting a midfoot strike technique will definitely help ease the pain in your knee/s.

Thanks for that Danish, much appreciated!

Yeah I know what you're talking about with physios. My old man and a few mates have had bad experiences with them, which is why I'm a bit tentative to see one.

I'll Google ITBS. I have the pain behind my kneecap but not down the side of my thigh.

Patience is the key word you used, I've got to get more of that. Maybe just accept the fact that I'll have to sit out a month or two to correct it. When work slows down in a month I'm definitely going to get a running coach (get 2-3 lessons, like you would with a golf coach, etc) and most probably see a physio. I don't care if I can't do anything else I just want to be able to run for the rest of my life.

Thanks again!

 

[Danish]

I know what you mean mate. I only started running again at the start of last year but can't fathom life without it now. Already told the wife to just take me out back and shoot me once I can't do it anymore!

A running coach sounds a good idea. I'd also suggest if you haven't already taking a look around sites like http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index.php? for some good tips on stretches, exercises and training patterns

 

[Fire]

I know what you mean mate. I only started running again at the start of last year but can't fathom life without it now. Already told the wife to just take me out back and shoot me once I can't do it anymore!

A running coach sounds a good idea. I'd also suggest if you haven't already taking a look around sites like http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index.php? for some good tips on stretches, exercises and training patterns

Sorry, I just saw now that you replied again. I also saw on another thread you completed a marathon, good stuff!!! I'll definitely check out that site above too. Cheers mate!

 

[Red Bear]

A word of advice on physios.... make sure you find one that specialises in sports injuries. A lot of them are like chiropractors, homeopaths and a bunch of other professions who basically don't actually try and cure your problem and instead just treat it with the hopes you'll keep going back for months and months so you want to make sure you find one who knows what they are talking about.

Something you might want to take a look at is ITBS as well. I had ITBS pretty bad last year, which apparently gets mistaken for runner's knee a lot. Essentially it was a very sharp pain running down the side of my thigh and behind my knee cap whenever I ran more than a few hundred metres. Would dull down after a day or 2, but if I ran again BAMM!!! would flare straight up again. Fixed it with a series of stretches, a foam roller, and patience.

If it does turn out to be runners knee, then Cliffy's advice is pretty spot on. If you still want to run, adopting a midfoot strike technique will definitely help ease the pain in your knee/s.

Yeah, not really, considering physio requires an actual deep knowledge of the processes involved that lead to injury and problems.

Obviously there are a few shifty ones but from experience most are pretty good at treating what you need, not treating you for the sake of it.

Otherwise, yeah, I had ITB issues after the Sydney half last year, took ages to be able to play soccer again and even then was basically managing it through that season, couldnt run during the week. After soccer season built it up slowly wiht alot of short runs + the change to Nike Free running shoes (running through the midfoot rather than the heels).