I have been a runner off and on over the course of about 15 years. I even ran a marathon at one point. But I find now that I want to get back into it, my knees want to get stiff and achey. I am not always able to run on dirt and end up on concrete. But I know many people who run on concrete and don't seem to have this problem. Any suggestions? D o you think that some people's bodies are just not built for running?

Hi Cory,

Have you ever had your knees looked at by a professional? It may be beneficial to have someone look at your knees if you are having problems so you do not cause irreversible damage. Also, you may want to walk for the first couple of weeks and see how your body feels and slowly increase your pace. 

Thank you Lindsay for getting back to me. I know I can walk comfortably and can even run pretty comfortably. It is the time when I am not running that I feel the discomfort. Especially if I am sitting for extended periods of time and my legs are bent, my knees get stiff and achey. Unfortunately, I do not have the insurance coverage to have someone check them out professionally right now. I recently moved and now live somewhere where I can mostly run on dirt. I am going to give this a chance again and see how they feel. Thanks again for the thoughts.

good luck :-)

You might try avoiding nightshade vegetables for a few weeks to see if it gets any better.

You could try acupuncture as well.

Maybe too much too soon... watch your posture when you seat, so you are not compromising your joints.  Good luck and patience. Run and take walk breaks let's say every mile or so...

Thanks everyone for all the feedback. I will definitely keep it all into consideration.

Ice on your knees will help a lot, avoid running downhill, you can also do some cross training and strength your knees, some squats, or some sitting against the wall. The stronger your knees, the better, take some rest in between running days or cross-train... Good luck Girl! :-)

Hi Cory, I have been dealing with knee pain from running and other sports for many years.  It got very bad in high school and its still with me now, but much more manageable.  If you have the means to see an osteopath and/or physical therapist, I highly reccomend that you do so.  Here's what helped me the most:  Get really good insoles for your running shoes, and maybe all your other shoes too.  If you have the means, getcustom insoles made to you foot shape.  If not, 'superfeet' makes good ones, but make sure you get the right ones for you arch support needs.  Also, STRETCHING.  When I started a stretch regimine in physical therapy it was the first thing that really made a difference.  It is difficult at first but it pays off and then keep up with it.  There are also exersizes that a physical therapist can recomend.  Ice is a really good way to relieve pain without drugs.  Don't do heavy weightlifting like squats without medical advice but you can do leg lifts with light ankle weights.  Here are some examples.

http://www.bigkneepain.com/knee-exercises.html

(at the bottom is a list of stretches.  It is very important to stretch AFTER leg strength excersizes and RIGHT AFTER running)

My osteopath changed my life.  If you live near washington, dc, go to him:

http://www.quistmd.com/index.html

If not you can find a physical therapist who does the same 'active icolated stretching' (its crazy awesome) in your state:

http://www.stretchingusa.com/aistherapists.cfm

After stretches, the biggest change in my knee pain happened after I went vegan.  The reduction in infammation did real miracles.  My knee pain is so much more managable now.

Good Luck!

If you can't see a physical therapist. check out this booklet for this stretching technique.  Be careful though, read instructions thoroughly and don't push yourself too hard.  The technique really works.  All you need is a strap or rope, a bathrobe sash works fine. 

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:RfoT1ORE8E4J:www.arborwellness.com/Stretching_for_Runners.pdf+Active+Isolated+Stretching&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjU6QzL-QeJfg6Mlg7A_2wv7wijXqUYiPrd7yzrrRLO_lRgWMQf91bfB_JxIeW72G8mmKM0tsllZVzKxnHVs_lmwtnwXVP2W5C-p-2Ve53AU_o6nflH132vuvy0ttn5TxxP3Vzl&sig=AHIEtbRF3KN6Gu51bDMKI30q-rgv6Ag5Ow

There are also some good youtube viedeos to help you get the idea.