Runner's Forum: Help Knee

I have been running since January average about 5 miles each run 3 times a week.  I am about 30 pds overweight.  And I have never had any major injuries. I have knee aches once the run is over that I experience primarily ascending and descending stairs.  Until - TODAY.  I was about 1 mile into my run -- feeling good -- when I starting having stabbing pain on the inside of my knee.  I stopped walked for a few blocks. Stretched. Tried running again..still the pain.  I quit running but am concerend about what I should do -- or what this means.  there isn't any apparent swelling or bruising. But it is still very tender on the inside of my knee and don't have 100% range of motion when walking - it feels tight -- I can walk though.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

I'm suppose to run in a 5K next weekend and am worried.

I tend to agree that it sounds like bursitis...I also have pain in my knees (primarily left, but some in the right as well) when going up and down stairs after a run, no matter the distance.  I also tend to have pain about a mile or two into the run, especially when running on a non-absorbent surface, like concrete.  My mother (a nurse) recommended an anti-inflammatory just before running (I've been taking a couple of ibuprofen, but she also suggested Aleve or its equivalent if I start taking the ibuprofen consistently) and icing immediately after.  It has helped thus far; the pain is much better, although not completely gone.  I have also started spinning twice a week, and my knees always feel much better afterward.  You might consider adding a little strength training to your workout, to help strengthen the knee in general.

 That being said, I would have a doctor check it out, just to make sure.  Bursitis isn't that serious an injury, but like most injuries, it can lead to other problems if you don't recognize it and treat it.  It sounds like the knee pain changed the last time you ran, so that also could be cause for concern. 

As for your 5k, if possible, have a doctor check you out before then.  If that isn't possible and you think it is bursitis, I would say take some painkillers and do it if you can handle the pain.  Only you know what you can deal with for that distance.  If it aids your decision any, I am training for a half-marathon in June and have decided to go all the way since I'm half-way into my training schedule; I will tone it down after that to let my knees heal.  Good luck!