I run everyday for track and im 16. I need some advice please for my knees.?

Question

First of, is it ok to run barefoot on the treadmill at home?

Next, what are some supplements I could take to "cushion" my knees more, anything is welcome.

Finally, does knee damage recover? As in will I be fine later?

Answer 1

If you watch a good distance runner, you'll notice his head does not go up and down when he runs. His head will just glide along at the same level. He seems to run effortlessly. It is a beautiful sight to see.

If your head is bouncing up and down when you run, you are putting too much stress on your knees. Watch some videos of distance runners. Ask your coach to work with you to reduce bouncing. Retrain yourself to run properly.

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Answer 2

I would not suggest running barefoot on such a hard surface. Without shoes to absorb shock, you put yourself at high risks for stress fractures (been there). Also, running barefoot on a hard surface will put a lot of stress on your knees.

You can try glucosamine for your knees. Some studies show that glucosamine can help with cartilege growth, but many refute that claim.

Finally, you will NOT be fine later. One your cartilege is gone, it is gone. Glucosamine MAY provide a LITTLE relief, but not a very significant amount. I am also 16, and because I pushed my knees too hard for 7 years, I have to consider several painful surgeries to try to add more cushion to my knees.

Answer 3

One of the most common complaints and sources of injury among runners involve the knees. Knees are the largest joints of the body, and they are among the hardest to repair. They are injured through falls and through impact stress. You should not run barefoot, certainly not on a hard surface like a treadmill. Running shoes do more than protect your toes and sole, they help absorb some of the impact of the foot strike, before it is refered up the leg to the knee. A good pair of running shoes is one of the best investments a runner should make. Secondly, you should concentrate on non-running activities and exercise at least twice a week to allow your body to repair any damage which has been done. There are at present no supplements which have any affect on the knee cartilage, although calcium supplements will be useful to help provide the body material needed to strengthen bones and carry on repairs. As far as protecting the knees and helping them resist injury, stretching and exercises designed to improve flexibility of the leg muscles and tendons will be of great benefit. It also helps if you make it a practice to listen to and for warning signs that something is wrong and take the necessary steps to limit the injury and allow healing. Knee pain needs to be taken seriously, as soon as it appears. Rest and ice on the joint, with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like Motrin, elevation of the leg with a support under the knee, and non-knee stressing exercises will do a lot to help. Find a doctor who specializes in sports medicine, and listen to his/her advice. How easily the knee recovers from injury or damage depends on the type of damage that is done, and how severe it is. Stressed or inflammed cartilage can re pair itself if it is not too severe and the joint is rested. Cartilage tears can require surgical repair, as will tendon tears. Unfortunately, an injury which requires a surgical repair means the knee will always be at increased risk for other or further damage, and other problems as time passes usually happen. It used to be that people said one knee sugury meant two, and unfortunately that is often still the case. It is impossible to repair a knee as good as it was before the injury, and cartilage is impossible to replace. There are therapies out there to help make you more comfortable, but at the moment, there are not any good permanent fixes for cartilage damage. If you have an unstable knee, which would benefit from use of a knee support, the sports doctor is the best person to fit and provide one.
Another word about the shoes- you should not wait to replace your shoes until they are worn out and ratty. Running shoes should be replaced every 650-800 miles, as they lose their capacity to absorb shock. You should keep a running diary so you know exactly what distance you have run, and record what type of exercise you have done each day. A sports doctor willl find this information invaluable when you visit, especially if you have an injury or problem.
While running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, keep in mind our bodies were not designed for long distance or constant running. Our knees are not designed for the impact or shock absorbance of it, although with good conditioning we can do it to an extent. Even serious runners who compete do not try to do intensive conditioning more than twice a year, and neither should you. It will not increase your peak performance to continually train intensively, and may actually be detrimental to it. So keep that in mind when you are planning your training program. If you are not in competition, you are really aiming to maintain fitness and flexibility, not necessarily to continually try to push the envelope. Good luck, and healthy running.

Answer 4

I am not a runner but my roomate is and you need shoes everytime you run. That is basic knowledge for taking care of your feet and you will want to do that because I am 27 and not a runner but my feet already hurt from not taking care of them. My roomate would tell you to be careful with your feet and your joints and take extra special care of them, she would tell you only whole food supplements and she runs marathons on feet she cannot feel the bottom of because she didn't nurse her injuries well, but ran on them so now she has to get her feet exrayed regularly to make sure she insnt walking on broken bones because all her nerve endings in her feet are dead. so run, but take care of your feet and yourself. talk to a Dr. before you start taking any supplements. Adverse affects aren't worth it.