Carno

Hello everyone,

I recently (about three weeks ago) bought a new pair of running shoes and have been running about every other day in them since I bought them. I usually run anywhere from 3-5 miles per day in them, and now I am noticing that my knees are starting to ache. I have only been running on asphalt.

I am applying to Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, and physical fitness is one of the things they look for, hence my sudden interest in running. Anyways, on to the problem. I had to go about 4 days without running because I had to take an aviation physical, and could not do any physical activity 3 days prior to the physical. Anyways, the next time I ran, I noticed that my knees were sore and they ached a good deal. It's not actually my knees, but kinda below the knees on either side. Right at the top of my shins. I guess it's the tendons on either side of my knees. Today when I ran my 3 miles I could not lift my knees very high, and I couldn't do a long stride. I have to start running in combat boots, and I'd like to figure this problem out before I aggravate it further by running in boots.

Anyways, could this be the onset of shin splints? My shins don't hurt whatsoever, but I heard that shin splints start in various ways.. Could it be that my shoes aren't right for my feet? Do I need insoles? Are my legs just becoming adjusted to my shoes and running again? I have to be able to run 3 miles in under 21 minutes, so obviously this is a problem that I need to rectify as soon as possible. Any insights or running tips or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Cross-Over

I do not know if it is the onset of shin splints, but whatever it is, it’s abnormal for you, so it should definitely be checked out. It could most certainly be the shoes. Did you switch brands? Maybe same brand, but a new type of running shoe?

Personally, I don't wear Nike shoes casually, for running, or for basketball. All different types give me foot pain and blisters (basketball). Once I switch brands, the pain and blisters are gone. I never had the problem before, it is something that started about three years ago.

Point being, I would recommend trying a different brand (I like Saucony for running shoes). Perhaps a set of insoles may do the trick, I personally am not too fond.

That is just my experience. You know your body well, and if you are running 3-5 miles a day now, but before were not running regularly, perhaps it could be something temporary.

A podiatrist will be able to examine your feet and gait, and recommend some orthotics if needed. If you can, schedule an appointment with one.

hannukah harry

sounds like it could be shin splints. but my first guess would be that it's your bodies reaction to going from not running to running a lot. if you have good quality shoes, then they shouldn't be the issue.

you don't have flat feet/fallen arches, do you? without buying good insoles for your shoes, that can be a cause of the problem too.

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Carno

Actually, the shoes I bought are Saucony's. I literally went from not running for several years to running three miles almost every day.

Well, about flat feet.. I have worn flip flops regularly for the past three years. In high school, open toed shoes were not allowed, so I didn't wear them nearly as much as I do now. I suppose my feet must have flattened out at least slightly, but I still have an arch and I can still run my fingers under my foot when my foot is flat on the ground.

There is a running store that does free gait analysis and shoe fittings nearby, so I am going to go in and get my feet tested tomorrow.

Should I just take it easy for a while and slowly get back into running? Does working out your legs in the gym help prevent shin splints?

Thanks for the replies yall.

fatbob

i went to a shop that measures your feet and arch, video you running on a treadmill,etc and then they hellp you choose the right trainer. once you have one that fits good and is in your price/ fashion range, they stick you back on the machine and video you again and stack up the trainers of you need it. this makes sure that you don't hyperextend your knee...there was a term they used, pronate or something like that...anyhoo since i got my trainers from there i've really noticed the difference in my knee pains, they are soooo much better!

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c172g

You have the WRONG pair of shoes for your body. The store you visit will no doubt discuss things like pronation (sp?) with you, arches, etc. A $150 pair of shoes built for a "normal" foot will cause hip, knee, ankle and a variety of other problems for someone who has high arches, pronation, etc. It may cost you a few bucks, but try out some different shoes to determine what fits best for you. I used to wear Saucony in my old days, but find New Balance to be far better for me these days. Once you find a pair that fits your foot properly, stick with it and buy about six pair, as the next time you need some, they will have changed the model number!

Some people can be happy in a standard pair of shoes. Most Nike running shoes actually come with a pair of inserts for those of us with high arches. I can't run in normal shoes, as I weigh 200 lbs and my feet naturally point outward at about a 30 degree angle (naturally being because I was lazy as a kid & just seemed to walk that way, my body is now practically built around it).

I tried orthotics and found them to be a waste of $200 (and considering the fact that my dog ate one they became somewhat useless). There are many different styles of shoes, just figure out which one is right for you. If you can't find something that works, then try the orthotics.

If you haven't run for years and just started going 3-5 miles a day, expect problems. As good as you might feel running that long of a distance, it's unnatural to expect your body to welcome the constant pounding of a half hour run all at once. Go jog 1 mile every day for a week at least, even if you think you can go farther. Build up some endurance, running requires muscle endurance from many parts of your body, as well as lung and heart endurance. Every part of your body won't welcome your new hobby in the same way.

You'll find in OTC school that everyone doesn't just go out and run 15 miles on day one. While the instructors might bitch, there will be plenty of you lagging behind. It's expected.

Carno

Yeah, I went to get my feet checked out, and it turned out that I had the wrong type of shoes.

c172g - what you said was pretty much right on.. I have high arches in my feet, and since my shoes weren't built for that type of foot, I ran (haha) into knee problems. The shoes did not have enough arch support and they caused my feet to roll inwards, making my knees and tendons hurt.

The shoes were fine for the first two or so weeks that I had them, but then I began to feel the effects. I got some stiffer, thicker soled shoes that are more suited to my type of foot and constant running. I have been taking it easy from running and have only done a mile or so runs about every other day, but my knees are still a little sore from before. Today I ran 1.5 miles across a bridge and back, and my knees didn't hurt at all while running, but when I stopped running, then they began to hurt like before. I'm not quite sure why that happened..

I have to go to a weekend prep thing April 1-3, and I am kinda nervous about being the slow guy. I just don't want to be the first guy to fall out on a squad run. I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world though. More pushups and crunches maybe, but I can do a shitload of those.

Anyways, thanks for the advice everyone.

c172g

Life with a good pair of shoes is much easier. Good luck in your running. I also have high arches, like I said my New Balance (also Asics kick ass) are well suited for my feet. Make sure you stretch AFTER you run, and drink lots of water when you're done. Both will help you out tremendously.

Also, kudos to you for jumping into the military. I was going to join the Marines through their OTC program in the early 90's when they needed pilots, my ex-girlfriend talked me out of that one. Anyway, best of luck...

lordpoopshank

From personal experience, stretching before and after running has usually helped me to alleviate most aches and pains. I usually stretch my Achilles out before running, which tends to take care of foot/heel problems. Also, doing some light squats (with or without weight) will loosen up the joints in your knees and legs in general and can actually help out with the shin pain.