Can Trainers Cause Damage To Knee?

Vinny-Chase

Hey all,
Last year I was running about 3 miles a couple of times a week. But would have to stop for a couple of days as the outside part of my right knee (to the right of the knee cap) would get very sore. This coupled then with the winter coming in kinda put a stop to my running and now I've packed on the winter pounds.

I was listening to Eamonn Coughlan on the radio a while back and he said that some pairs of trainers can actually just send the impact from the feet up to the knee. The trainers are both (2 pairs) Nike's nothing special. Just normal running trainers.

I can walk for miles in just my "street" trainers and not feel a thing. Could the trainers be the problem?

RayCun

Running puts much more pressure on your knees than walking, shoes that are fine for walking might not have enough support for running in.

Plus, you can't just pick up a pair of 'good running shoes' that will work for everyone. You might have flat feet, or land on your heel, or over-pronate, and your shoes should be chosen with that in mind. Go to a good running shop and get some advice.

And if you're starting again, follow a definite running plan, like the couch to 5k, that will build you up at the right speed.

Vinny-Chase

Thanks for the reply Raycun. Any advice on a good running shop? I'm in Kildare.

RayCun

I only know Dublin area shops, they may be too far for you to go

Amphibian King seem to know their stuff, and I know a lot of other people on here would recommend them too.
Elverys in the city centre and in Dundrum, and Runways on Parnell Street, also do gait analysis - of the three I think Runways would have most knowledgable staff?, but I haven't been in.
Lifestyle Sports out in Blanchardstown seem to have a good selection of running gear, might be the best of the Champion/Lifestyle shops? Usually the staff in those chains won't have a clue.

Stark

Amphibian King are great. Can be a bit of a pain getting out to Bray but it's generally worth it. Haven't tried Runways but I wasn't impressed with Elvery's or Lifestyle. Lifestyle in Blanchardstown couldn't be more convenient for me but it's crap imo. They had a reasonable selection at one point but last time I was in there, they had absolutely nothing bar the usual skanger fashions.

InTheTrees

I'm coming to realise that the shoes are just the start. next you need the correct insoles.

Or as they're now called: Orthotics

I went and did one of those tests in the shop and realised my feet were rolling inwards and that puts all sorts of stress on the legs and knees when running, when I tried insoles that forced my feet to position correctly the pains were gone, and I'm a convert.

RayCun

Not everyone needs orthotics. Pretty much everyone lands on the outside of their foot and rolls inwards, that's a normal footstrike, it's only a problem if this movement is exaggerated (or too small). And it might be something that can be addressed just by getting the right shoes.

Stark

A certain amount of aches and pains are normal for a new runner as well. The majority go away as your body adapts. I know of very few people who actually need orthotics.

digme

Vinny-Chase wrote: »

Hey all,
Last year I was running about 3 miles a couple of times a week. But would have to stop for a couple of days as the outside part of my right knee (to the right of the knee cap) would get very sore. This coupled then with the winter coming in kinda put a stop to my running and now I've packed on the winter pounds.

I was listening to Eamonn Coughlan on the radio a while back and he said that some pairs of trainers can actually just send the impact from the feet up to the knee. The trainers are both (2 pairs) Nike's nothing special. Just normal running trainers.

I can walk for miles in just my "street" trainers and not feel a thing. Could the trainers be the problem?

shorten your stride

dna_leri

Vinny-Chase wrote: »

Hey all,
Last year I was running about 3 miles a couple of times a week. But would have to stop for a couple of days as the outside part of my right knee (to the right of the knee cap) would get very sore. This coupled then with the winter coming in kinda put a stop to my running and now I've packed on the winter pounds.

I was listening to Eamonn Coughlan on the radio a while back and he said that some pairs of trainers can actually just send the impact from the feet up to the knee. The trainers are both (2 pairs) Nike's nothing special. Just normal running trainers.

I can walk for miles in just my "street" trainers and not feel a thing. Could the trainers be the problem?

I don't believe trainers can cause damage to your knee, maybe poor biomechanics can. Trainers may or may not help your biomechanics, depending on their suitability to you.

So get running shoes that match your gait, then if you still have problems go to a good sports physio that will help diagnose the cause.