New here...knee pain from treadmill

dilynnlew

dilynnlew

New member
Hi all,
I am new to these forums...have lurked a bit reading so far. Since early Feb. I have lost about 15 pounds by watching what I eat and eating healthier foods. I have also incorporated using my treadmill almost daily. I am only 5-2, and 49 years old, so it seriously takes a combination of diet and exercise for me to drop any weight at all. ALready the weight loss is slowing down, but I would like to lose at least 10 to 15 more pounds.

I started out slowly on the treadmill, gradually adding speed and mileage. Well, last week, hoping to boost more weight loss, I started jogging on the treadmill for part of my workout...doing intervals with slower walking as well. I have now developed pain in my right knee...it feel sore and tight when doing anything, even sitting. I took yesterday off, hoping it would feel better, but it actually feels worse this AM. I don't know if it is overuse injury (that's what my husband thinks), or something else. Like I said, I am not exactly a spring chicken anymore!
SHould I take some more time off...or workout like usual and see what happens? I do not like this pain, but I am afraid if I stop working out, I will start gaining the weight back.
ANy advice is appreciated...hope I am posting this in the right place!
 
No replies??? Does no one have any advice for me here?
 
I don't have an answer for you but I am experiencing the same thing. I've been running for 4 weeks, gradually increasing run times and walking less (using the couch to 5k program). My right knee hurts pretty bad. The last time I went running, I tried to run through it and it didn't go so well. I had to slow down my speed ALOT. I am thinking it might be my shoes. They were given to me and they are a tad too small and have harldy any cushioning. Yes, I know this was pretty dumb on my part. So, today I am going to get fitted for a new pair of shoes. They watch you walk and run and tell you what kind of shoe you need. I am going to go and try to run after I get the shoes. I will let you know if it helps any and what the people at the store tell me, if anything. Should have some news later on tonight.
 
Thanks for the reply. Shoes might be something to look into! I think I have pretty good shoes...they are Nikes and fit me well, I think. But, maybe it is worth trying a new pair? My son is a cross country distance runner, so I do know how important a good pair of running shoes is!

I was doing fine until I upped my speed on the TM and started jogging. That's when the pain began. I took two days off, and yesterday just worked out lightly...only went 2 miles...at only reached 3.8 for a top speed. I had been going up to 4.2. I did have some pain while walking, but I kept going. I do not feel any worse today, so I will try another light workout later today. Like you, I had hoped to work up to training and perhaps running in a 5K. My son runs in several over the summer, and I set a goal to participate and finish one...who knows if I will be able to do that now!

I am going to try a knee brace and see if it helps any also.
Looking forward to hearing what you find out about the shoes. THanks!
 
So sorry that I didn't get right back to you as promised. The guy at the shoe store wasn't as great as the woman who fitted my brother for a pair of shoes a few weeks earlier. He was also busy with another customer. But I did get a new pair of shoes and it helped with my knee pain a little bit, but just like you my top speed was 3.8! (It had been 4.5) What a coincidence! Now that a little more time has passed, my knee is starting to feel a bit better. I think we may just be sore from trying to much too soon maybe? Or it could be that we just need to get used to it, "break" our knees in lol. Mine began when I started the five minute running intervals (a jump from 3 minute intervals). I'm going to go and try to do my routine today and let ya know how it goes. It is frustrating though as I thought I was making good progress and am scared to backtrack.
 
What you most likely are encountering are shin splints. The reason this happened is simply because you were pushing yourself too hard, too soon. This happens to many people who aren't accustomed to running. The worst thing to do in this case is to push through it, this will only make things worse. The best way to treat this is to simple rest for a little bit. However most people don't like to do this especially when losing weight so instead when your running go at a much slower rate than usual, this is a great time just to focus on your form and breathing rather than speed. This means you will most likely have to cut out high intensity training for a bit. In a week or two you should be as good as new.
 
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Hi dilynnlew

Was on VAC for 9 days. Thus, couldn't previously reply to your post. (sorry about that).

-------------

As my doctor often says... "if it hurts, don't do it". Sounds corny but true....

With the above in mind.... May I suggest a combination of different exercises each day. Or, every other day - if that's all your unique body can handle. If wondering, my daily exercise list is:
- Stationary peddle bike - sometimes 2 sessions per day.
- TM - speed walking only - no jogging on this average quality built machine.
- Skipping rope - in my attached garge.
- Non impact Glicer - often do 2 x sessions each day.
- 15 mile peddle bike ride - weather permitting.
- 4 mile jog (every other night) - weather permitting.
- 5 x jog around the block with 3 lbs hand weights.
- 4 - 8 mile roller blade run (1 x per week) with my son - weather permitting.

And yes, my body is young age of 45. (very close to your age 49). If you can, do different exercises every day or every other day - to reduce "over use" body pain.

As another suggestion... Make a daily log. Plan the start of your day, set daily goals and update your post (progress) during the day. Thus, allowing yourself to stay focused on your daily goal. To view my daily diary, surf: http://weight-loss.fitness.com/weight-loss-diary/28328-spike99s-exercise-diary-2.html

Works for me...

.
 
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Swift Fan said:
What you most likely are encountering are shin splints. The reason this happened is simply because you were pushing yourself too hard, too soon. This happens to many people who aren't accustomed to running. The worst thing to do in this case is to push through it, this will only make things worse. The best way to treat this is to simple rest for a little bit. However most people don't like to do this especially when losing weight so instead when your running go at a much slower rate than usual, this is a great time just to focus on your form and breathing rather than speed. This means you will most likely have to cut out high intensity training for a bit. In a week or two you should be as good as new.
Click to expand...

I really am pretty sure I am not experiencing shin splints. I had those once years ago, and the pain was totally different and in a different place on my body. Plus, my son, who is a runner has had them, so I am quite familiar with those. I haven't even been running on the Tm, the most I got up to was a light jogging, top speed of 4.2 mph. I have lowered that down to a max of 3.9 for only a few minutes and at least I can work out some. But I am still in some pain.
Spike, I like the idea of different training methods. Since I also have a staionary bike, I will try that occas. instead of always using the TM. Perhaps I should also consult my MD, just to be on the safe side??
 
Well, my pain had kinda went away...so I went and did my routine of 5 minute intervals (most of the running was at 3.9). My knee hurt a little bit for the first 30 seconds or so of running and then it seemed to go away...But after I was finished, yeah, it came back. I'm pretty sure mine isn't shin splints either though. Have you tried the knee brace yet? Hoping we both stop hurting here!
 
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MacSeth, I did try the knee brace...it was very cumbersome and hot to wear! It did make my leg feel better while walking on the treadmill...but the my left leg started hurting! AAGH!!! I really want to take today off from the TM, but feel like I need to plod on since I only lost 1.4 pounds this week.
THat is very discouraging...I know I am not eating more calories than I was. I guess the weight loss is just slowing down. I would like to lose at least 2 pounds each week, if possible.
THis week I am trying to eat smaller amounts more frequently, see if I can rev up my metabolism a little more, perhaps???

I am still scared to go faster than 3.9 on the treadmill.
 
Where are you feeling the pain exactly? Is it on the outside of the knee, near the kneecap, etc.? How many miles do you run on average? If it isn't a shin splint or runners knee, which it probably isn't, then you should probably schedule an appointment to get it looked at just to make sure it's nothing serious.
 
Well, I haven't been running at all. I had a SLIGHT cough that turned into pneumonia seemingly in the matter of a couple hours. Went to the hospital and all that. I won't be running until I get cleared by my doctor hopefully next week. I'm really upset over the whole thing and think I might have to start back at square 1. Keep me posted on how you are doing if ya don't mind!
 
I've had that problem before. Make sure you have good shoes and that you stretch really well before and after.
 
I think my shoes are pretty good...they are Nikes. I probably am not stretching enough before and after my workout. I will need to be more aware of that and try to take more time doing this. The knee brace has also helped somewhat.

MacSeth, so sorry you are ill. What a setback...but it is better that you recover before you push your body with exercise. I am suffering with just a head cold...took one day off, but since I don't have a fever, I have done my TM walking the last two days. It's a little hard to breathe...have to keep the kleenex handy and blow my nose frequently!
Sure hope you get back on the mend soon!

Tamago...thanks for the advice...I know I should heed it and STRETCH more!
 
Dilynnlew, that's how mine started so please be careful! I went running one day when I felt kinda bad. It didn't even feel like the flu or anything horrible. I thought I was getting better and woke up the next day thinking I was dying and being rushed to the ER. Just don't push it! Let me know if it hurts the next time you run. Good luck!
 
Honestly, I'd go see a specialist to take a look at the knee and give you advice. Anyone here will just be giving you general tips; without actually examining the knee it's tough to say what will help. My advice, just go see a doctor about it (you'll probably be glad you did!) :).

All the best,
Jonathon Locke
 
I lost 4.4 pounds this past week, despite having to cut back on my speed on my treadmill. I did try to walk with a greater incline, to help burn more calories. Perhaps that made the difference. My knees are no worse, maybe even a little better...but I am still scared to push it too much.
Later today I am going to try just a very short (2min) jog, intervalled in between my usual fast walking...we shall see how that goes. Hopefully no increase in my knee pain.
I did splurge on a new pair of shoes...some sweet Mizunos...they are very light and comfortable!

MacSeth, how are you feeling by now?? My cold is better...my daughter's got worse...she had to see the doctor today, with bronchitis.
 
Don't excercise when sick or in pain. People often think excercise will help kick an injury or flu but remember excercise wears the body down and it rebuilds stronger and fitter, if you are sick the last thing you want to do is wear the body down as it needs all the energy it can get to repair its self.
 
THATS A GREAT LOSS GIRL YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!:auto:
 
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