Hi All,

I have started to love running, but occasionally get bad knee pain. I know this is a common running issue, but I was wondering what tips other runners have for prevention and treatment.

Do you recommend doing a different cardio exercise while it hurts, to let it heal?

Prevention strategies?

Do I need to stop running to prevent long-term issues, or can I work through it and just take breaks when it hits?

I would take breaks when it hits and do some walking and make sure you get comfortable running sneakers and I buy insoles from dr scholls to prevent any other pain. The best of luck

I had this problem. It stopped me from running for a few months. I was quite sad and went to see someone who specializes in running. He told me that the Oh SO Expensive running store that had assessed my gate did it incorrectly. Basically they had given me shoes for someone with over-pronation (or something similar) and I needed shoes for a neutral gate. They had also given me shoes that were too small - not so small that I could feel it, but they were slowly causing big, painful corns on my second to last toes that was also hindering running.

The right shoes corrected everything. Now I just have the minimal aches and pains of every jogger. I like to go everyday, on outside terrain, 5 miles, with one day a week off. Some days I purposely go slower, some faster - depending on how my muscles feel. I am very conscious of not pushing them to the limit... as then I would not be able to go the next day.

Ok, last word: shoes are SO important, you have no idea! Also, don't forget, if your feet are wider like mine, there is nothing wrong with trying out mens shoes.

The correct shoes are definitely important. Find out the return policy of the store before you buy shoes. Most stores that are specific for runners have a pretty liberal return policy. The one in my area allows you to put as many miles on a pair of shoes as you want in a week, and if you're not happy, you can exchange them for something else. I love this, because then I know I'm not spending $150 for shoes that end up being totally wrong for me.

Your gait is also important. Make sure your feet are coming down directly below your hips so that the impact is directly down on your knees. If you bring your feet down slightly inside or outside of the range of your hips, you're putting diagonal strain on your knees. (Does that makes sense? It's hard to describe with just words. )

what are some names of some of the runners stores I need to get some shoes not sure what to look for

Roadrunner sports has a great return policy. However, the last shoes I bought there--which they recommended for me--I returned. They hurt my feet quite a bit. I was thankful I was able to return them after using them on a trial basis, but they weren't helpful in their recommendations for me. I think you have 60 days, maybe, to return (used are fine).

I ended up buying some shoes I have used in the past, because I knew they worked for me. I just bought a new pair of Nike Zoom Vomero's. I love them. Plus, they are cute!

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. I iced my knee last night and have been taking ibuprofen twice a day. The ibuprofen REALLY helps, so it is clearly swelling of some type. I took a risk and did a high impact turbo kickbox class this afternoon. I was fine throughout the class, but I hope I'm not causing more damage.