Runners Knee / ITB / help

Hey all,

So I recently joined another police academy and have been coasting through the Physical training suprisingly. However, this has been the first time Ive done organized long distance runs in many months. My run time hasnt decreased but Ive started to notice pains that I havent had before.

We do slow pace military formation runs that seem to impact my knee a lot more than if i was doing a fast pace with long strides. I find myself landing on my toes due to the fact i have no room to make strides. When we finally break free and do regular sprints and runs I dont have this problem.

So the other day when we get done a formation run, i have this slight pain in my right knee. The pain is located on the outside of the knee and through my research I believe it is it ITB (illiotibial band or however its spelled)

So walking down stairs and anything in which i have to land on my toes definately aggravates it. Good news is, due to a break in the academy I wont have another run for 6-7 days. So I've been applying the usual menthol creams, a knee brace for compression, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (over the counter pain relief) and ive been keeping off the knee in regards to strenous activities.

I looked up several stretches and will perform them everyday until my next run. I also bought new shoes with gel soles since my old ones were very cheap and not exactly comfortable.

Does anyone have any other advice. In these military style formation runs I am going to really focus on my form of running. Ive noticed that I tend to kick my foot out and take stomps in order to keep from stepping on another recruit. This cant be helpful to my pain. Im going to focus on proper form in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

Is there anything I missed? could this pain not be ITB and simply be caused from my poor running form and bad shoes?

Sorry for the long post, but I figured the more information I gave, the more helpful it would be. Thanks guys!

-Kevin
 
Get fit for a pair of running shoes. The only inserts I use are over the counter orthotics purchased at a running store... a real running store. Rather than run on your toes, shuffle your feet. It'll be more of a midfoot strike. Your legs will be bent at the knee slightly. If it is ITB, you ice the area with a bag of frozen veggies.
 
Hi there

Yes, it is definitely ITB. The stretches will actually over time solve the problem entirely. I had the exact same problem while training for Ironman. try and get 3 strides in per second. that also helps. find a running specialist shoe store so they can test the biomechanics of your stride and landing etc. and can give you the precise shoe for you. That helped me alot too.

It is a common problem that can be easily managed.

Good luck with the training
 
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