Running bad on the knees and lower back?

[Heather Smyth]

I have ran 3 miles a day as my morning routing, except Sundays, since I was 13 years old. I have also been in MA and gymnastics since I was four and played everysport imaginable in high school. I still teach MA and kickbox aerobics and run. I do not have any pain anywhere after any of my other workouts, but after my morning run my knees and lower back kill me for about an hour. Is it the running or is it just me?

[Aodhan]

I have ran 3 miles a day as my morning routing, except Sundays, since I was 13 years old. I have also been in MA and gymnastics since I was four and played everysport imaginable in high school. I still teach MA and kickbox aerobics and run. I do not have any pain anywhere after any of my other workouts, but after my morning run my knees and lower back kill me for about an hour. Is it the running or is it just me?

Three questions, the first being the more important:

#1 - When was the last time you changed your shoes? Most modern running shoes are only good for about 3-500 miles of running before the cushioning is almost shot.

#2 - Do you stretch out after running? Especially if you do trail running, you are really using your abs and low back for stability, and can be putting a lot of sideways tension on the knees.

#3 - Ever had a good running store take a look at your stride and recommend shoes for pronation/supination or anything? Fallen arches/orthotics?

Also, what kind of pain does it seem to be? Muscular, bone? Is it deep in the knee or superficial? Front? Back? Side? Achy, dull pain? Sharp stabbing? (Sorry, I get carried away sometimes)

Aodhan

[Sohan]

I'm with Aodhan. Unless you've changed dramatically the type of running surface you frequent (ie trails to concrete), it's likely your shoes.

You're awfully young to experience knee and back pain from running. See what you might have changed in your exercise and running routine recently and you may discover your solution.

With respect,

Sohan

[Heather Smyth]

Thankyou for your prompt response. Here are your answers.

1. I change my running shoes once every three months like clockwork.

2. I do a lite stretch before my run and walk to cool down and then do an extensive stretch while my muscles are still warm.

3. No I have never had a store look at my stride to reccommend shoes, but my high school track coach still orders my running shoes for me out of her catalouge.

Heather

[Sohan]

If this is a recent development, there must be something you've changed that has caused it. If you can't think of anything, see a physician, preferably one with a sportsmed specialty. It could be something non-exercise related as well, so a check-up could be in order.

Pain after running isn't normal, especially at your age.

With respect,

Sohan

[Aodhan]

If this is a recent development, there must be something you've changed that has caused it. If you can't think of anything, see a physician, preferably one with a sportsmed specialty. It could be something non-exercise related as well, so a check-up could be in order.

Pain after running isn't normal, especially at your age.

With respect,

Sohan

Exactly.

One odd question... You didn't stick your shoes in the oven/dryer/microwave to dry them did you? Some of the foams used in the cushioning will break down under high heat.

Aodhan

[Heather Smyth]

I talked to my regular doctor and he told me I was simply working out too much. I did not agree with that because I have worked out this much all practically all of my life. So maybe a sportsmed specialist is the answer I was looking for. Oh and Aodhan, to answer your question, I have not applied heat to my shoes recently... And check out the Who Would you most like to meet forum again.

Heather

[Aodhan]

Yeah, I saw that.

Sohan is right, though. All other things being the same, any change no matter how insignificant it might be, is probably related to the problems.

And, it is possible to work out too much and not allow your body time to recover.

Aodhan

[Orion]

I have found that I now cannot run any more. I used to run alot when I was younger but unfortunately started to run on tarmac. This has killed my legs more than anything.

My dad once knew a guy that ran alot went to the doctors complaning of back pain and was told to bin them or he would become paralysed. I know this is a one in a million thing but running is nearly as bad for you as it is good for you.

What surface do you run on?

[marie curie]

Could you have recently encountered light injuries to your back or knees? If you have, then the repeditive motion and force you encurr when running could be the culprit. Have you had x-rays? Stress fractures are pretty common, and if you get an injury at one location (like your lower back), then other places can hurt due to your body overcopensating and transferring more force to them ( like your knees)... Just something to think about.