Knee pain - Triathlon Week

mona6356 · 02-28-2005, 10:22 AM

I am almost 60 years old and jog for heart and weight. I suffer from both knee pain and achilles tendonitis. I now run about five miles every other day. What can I do to prevent/relieve pain? Should I start cortizone shots and what are the dangers or side effects? Anyone, please advise.

MJL · 02-28-2005, 10:31 AM

Stay away from any shots!!! That should be a last resort, and only after 4 doctors tell you the same thing! Those steroid shots are bad news (or so I've been told by semi-pro hockey players).

You probably need new/better shoes. You may need orthotics in your shoes as well. The way a shoe fits can change the angles of your hips and knees, and that may be your problem. Go to a store where they watch you run/walk, and they can put you in the proper type of shoe- there are 3 types: cushioning (underpronator), stability (regular pronator) and motion control (over-pronator).

Hopefully, your problem can be resolved with a simple change of shoe. Go to a sports specialist, they can help. Good luck!

**daphne** · 02-28-2005, 11:01 AM

I would suggest to cut down your running to no more than 3 x week. Try running at soft surfaces (soft pavement, dirt) and not concrete. Have you considered cross training? Swimming is a great cardio workout and is high in the calorie burn list with no knee joint impact.

When you go to the store to check for new shoes, bring your old shoes with you. The specialist will learn by looking at how your shoe is worn out. Try and find a running store instead of a general sporting goods store.

BrandanHarmon · 03-09-2005, 03:03 PM

Glucosamine seemed to be a big help for me. It takes about 3 weeks or so to kick into your system. Swim and bike (indoors if you need to) in the meantime.

dannyc · 03-05-2008, 08:38 AM

I just starting to train for the 2008 NYC Tri and I am wondering if anyone has had plica syndrome before? I am starting to have some pain in that same spot (inter knee area) but need to run as part of training - this will lead to more inflammation in the knee, etc. Any suggestions besides the obvious ice, Advil, rest, strengthening of the muscles, etc? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.