My first post. Would you talk to me about ligaments please?

Mary · #1 16th Aug 12, 08:06 PM

Hello.

I'm completely new to this running lark. I started about 2 months ago on a C25k programme and loved it. Really pushed myself and ended up doing Week 4 or 5 stuff after a fortnight.

Sadly my knee doesn't love it. My friend Google Images suggests that this is the medial collateral ligament. I've rested it until the pain went away and tried running again this week, and again I can feel it is sore.

Yes, I know I need to go and get proper trainesr with some kind of gait analyis.

Yes, I should probably consult a GP or someone real not on the internet to get a proper diagnosis

(or should I???)

No, I shouldn't have chucked myself around the park, onto week 5 type stuff having not run for 20 years! (I'm 43)

But, tell me, do ligaments get stronger if I take it really easy and build up? Is it likely to be corrected with better trainers? Or am I doomed to never really being able to get into it.

Being told "take up a different type of exercise" isn't an option! Running is free, I live next to a fantastic park, and it doesn't take a huge amount of time!

And, am I posting in the right place to get an answer?

Thank you.

Stephen07 · #2 16th Aug 12, 08:20 PM

I had the same problems when I started , went and got some decent shoes from a running shop . Not spent alot got some guide 4s for £60 , been pain free since and racked up over 450 miles in them now

Bobby · #3 16th Aug 12, 08:52 PM

Firstly, don't buy into the idea you need specific shoes or gait analysis. The only thing that will conclusively do is cost you money.

Yes, ligaments, muscles and bone get stronger with use. The reason for the baby steps in things like couch to 5k is to build up the strength slowly in these parts of the body, which may not have been used in years.

Other factors like diet and weight come into it, but mostly just relax, stop worrying about the odd niggle, and ease into it gently. If the pain is there for a few weeks, see someone. Otherwise, just ice it up and wear a compression sock.

Martyn · #4 16th Aug 12, 10:07 PM

What Bobby said.

+ try warming up and cooling down properly. 15 minutes before and after a run of lighter exercise gradually getting more intense up to running speed then the opposite on the way down. This allows the blood flow to gradually build up into your muscles then ease off afterwards.

Good luck and well done on starting to run again!

Stonetiger999 · #5 16th Aug 12, 10:27 PM

What they said. Welcome to RF Mary, and congrats on your progress so far

Mary · #6 16th Aug 12, 10:43 PM

Thank you all.

My nervousness is having seen my husband on crutches for two weeks after a running injury and a friend who needed surgery on her knees after a "fun" sporting occasion. When my knee first went, I was hobbling for a few days myself. So feeling paranoid!

So, persevere, but carefully, yes?

I had run for four weeks, three times a week, in my old £10, 20 year old trainers. Felt great but shin splints. I bought Saucony Ride 4s, I know I pronate and had googled, but hadn't picked up that there was a "Ride 4" and a "Guide 4", so clearly got them confused in the shop. Either way, ran twice with the neutral ones I've got and that's when my knee went creeeeak!

I really want to do this, thanks for the encouragement.

frog · #7 17th Aug 12, 06:26 AM

Hi Mary and well done for being so keen, that's a great way to be!

When I started (not long ago) I got some shoes for over pronation. I still injured myself. I took a break and came back to running and again got injured. Different symptoms but a sore knee is a sore knee. Then I read up about heel strike/mid foot/forefoot and how we are putting a lot of stress on ourselves when we land on our heels. I made an effort to take shorter steps and land mid foot rather than putting my heels down with each step. Guess what? Running is now working for me!

Turns out that changing the way I run stopped me having the issues. So it might be worth a try, and it's free. I now have neutral shoes and they are just great. I over pronate when I walk but I won't bother with gait analysis again for running. I don't know if ligaments get stronger but my feet and ankles used to hurt every day, now they don't and I feel they are stronger and more stable in general. Running seems to have improved my joints, not knackered them.

Mary · #8 3rd Sep 12, 07:09 PM

Hello, just thought I'd update.

I'm finding it's literally the way I put my foot on the floor! Frog, thanks for the tip.

My feet aren't very straight, if you see what I mean, they tend to turn out. So if I concentrate on making them go forwards rather than out like a clown (!) it seems to be better for my knees. Doesn't feel natural but less painful.

Haven't run much lately due to holidays but this seems to be doing the trick. Fingers crossed!