QUESTION: How can I deal with the focused pain behind my knee?
Beth – I’m 38 and an avid surfer who started to run several years ago to help out with my cardio conditioning for surf trips to Hawaii, Indo etc…just couldn’t keep in shape from just surfing like I used to when I was younger. Well, now it looks like I’m going to run the San Diego Rock n’ Roll marathon in June. My question is actually about running. I usually run 5 days a week with an average of 30 miles a week, including a weekend long run of 10 miles. No consistent speed work, but I’ll throw in a 3 to 4 mile tempo run at a 7 minutes per mile pace every now and then. A few months ago I started to increase my long run every other week and now have it up to 15 or 16 miles. I run this distance at a slow pace, between 8.5 and 9 minutes per mile. However, it seems that about half the time I run over 10 miles, I developed a focused type of discomfort behind my right knee area. I can keep running without altering my pace or stride, but once finished it tightens up on me. The discomfort almost feels like a mild stretch type of injury. It will stay around for a day or two and then it might not come back until another long run. I really don’t know any “runners” or triathletes, so I was wondering if you have any impressions on what this injury might be and any suggestions. Thank you, Sean Q.
ANSWER:
Hey Sean,
This sounds so familiar! I used to work in a rehab clinic where we saw many marathon runners who came in with the “odd” injury. No real rhyme or reason and the pains aren’t enough to stop them from running. Same with many of my triathletes. Problem is, there IS something going on and if it isn’t taken care of, it could get you later. Sounds like you gave yourself a decent base before ramping up the miles. Hopefully, you did not jump from 10 to 16 miles in a 1 to 2 week period. As you get into the longer days, you definitely want to take a rest day and maybe not do another long day for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks, especially if you have a nagging injury. I would check out some of the training books that are available which give great guidelines for safe marathon training.
For your injury, I would get it checked out ASAP. If you live around SF, I would call Presidio Sport and Medicine (415-674-9530) and make an appt for a 1-time evaluation. They will try to assess the problem and figure out WHY it is happening rather than just making the acute pain go away. Better to get rid of the pain before it gets unbearable and you are unable to run your race! The Physical Therapists at Presidio Sport and Medicine deal with TONS of runners and triathletes and their goal is to keep you in your sport. Not to mention, it is a great place to meet potential training partners. Good luck in your race. It is a fun one!
Hasta, Beth
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