My knees hurt after running on treadmill, any better way to run on it?

Question

I gotta admit, I overdo it when I run sometimes even past my physical limitations when my willpower is strong enough. I have a physically well-built stature that allows me to run so much but the past year my life style has drastically become less active only to find that now I must get back to top shape as soon as possible. Most of my body can handle this, its just these damn knees of mine (and occasionally my ankles) getting sore like an old man from the ongoing impacts on that hard treamill surface that my joints ain't used to. If I powerwalk with a high rise level, will that compensate for running on a level surface maybe? Any suggestions? Used to bike alot until somebody stole my bike. :(

Answer 1

You probably over did your workout. Give yourself a few days off to make sure everything is okay and then hit it again. Try icing your knees and taking an Aleve or other anti-imflamatory if your knees continue to bother you during your downtime.

Be sure that you are slowly building up your mileage. Suddenly jumping on the treadmill and expecting to be able to run a lot immediately, will only result in frustration and injury.

I am not a super-big fan of treadmills. They are a little more "cushy" than the road, but they do alter your stride. So you may be running funny.

You state you are well-built, which only adds more pounding to your knees. Again, with a proper build-up and enough rest between sessions, should prevent this. You may want to hit the elliptical trainer or swim on days you don't run to keep your fitness level up. Being well-built, unfortunately means more stress on your joints, so you'll want to drop some of the extra pounds, if possible.

I have found that jacking up the incline on the treadmill makes it tougher on your knees.

Also, examine your shoes. Be sure that you have proper shoes for running (no, not cross trainers -- running shoes). Also, the neoprene ace wrap knee braces have worked wonders. I wear them all the time as "insurance" and they have kept my knees healthy.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Try brisk walking followed by light jogging. It may not burn as many calories as running but it will allow you to be more consistent and regular. This is certainly better than going all out on a day and having to drop off the routine or be in pain for the next few days. It will also help you to gradually build your strength to get back to running.

You have not mentioned your age but because you've said 'like an old man' I believe you are not old :-)). As a better alternative walk/jog to the police station to get back your bike :-)).

Answer 3

Have you tried using a cross trainer. It is supposed to be a better CV workout than running and is much lower impact. Colleagues of mine who have similar knee aches and pains swear by it.

Maybe you also need an expert to look at your running action and perhaps suggest an improvement.

Answer 4

See if you don't have injuries
Protect your knees with bandages
Put them in warm water as soon as you get out of the treadmill
Use a good pair of running shoes

Answer 5

Don't RUN !!! do a walk as fast as you can without falling on your face. and you will be fine it's the pounding of the RUN that damages your joints.