The Injury Saga

When it comes to running, many of us can become total, unadulterated hypochondriacs. Let's talk up our injury experiences, as if it's post-race and we are just lazing around, stretching, chatting. We're all smart enough to know we're bookworms, not physicians, so, there's no need for lengthy disclaimers. But hey, maybe we can learn something? What have been your experiences? What works?

I'll be happy to start. After running a really easy flat 7K, I awoke to find my knee sore during flexion and also sore when I pushed off the ball of my feet as I walked. Pain is below the patella and deep inside the knee. At times there's a delightful crunching noise from the outer side of the kneecap, during extension.

Runner's knee? I've stopped running; it's been a week so far. What do I do to keep it from getting worse?

I can't help at all! Sounds painful and I hope just not running for a bit will heal it. Sorry I'm no help. The only injury I've ever had is shin splints, which always means I need new shoes and clears up when I have better shoes again.

Have you thought about going to see someone about it? I don't know how helpful your doctor is about running-related injuries. It seems like only doctors who are also runners are any help at all in such things.

Thanks for the advice.

I think I've skipped shin splints. After all, I started with plantar fasciatis, then had a real bout of Achilles tendenosis, now the knee. What's next, the hip? And then the brain?

My "running doctor" actually hasn't been too much help, especially compared to the physical therapist. After all, the PT spends much more time with the patient.

'Anyone else had any experience with "runner's knee?"

Hi I am new to this group and running altogether but have signed up for a 5k next week (I've been running/jogging for about four weeks now) and a 10k in Ocotber....my main 'injuries' are stitches how do I stop them? and I jumped off the tube running to get a connection and seemed to have pulled a muscle in my bum somewhere I didn't know there were muscles, everyday's a schoolday!

But any advice to stop stitches would be great, I still don't believe in my PE teacher's advice just run through the pain

I find a stitch is usually trapped wind.

Bend forward
Stretch up up up
Bend forward
Press the place

Often with me...URP ... and it's gone. Try eating further away from running and only sipping your water, as gulping gave my other half stitches.

I've been off running this week as on antibiotics for a gum abscess - felt SO nauseous. I ran last Sunday but feeling really sick and only managed 3 miles. But I've been on the recumbent bike for half an hour most days, as that hasn't made me feel actually worse. And took the last pill this morning, so - fingers crossed...

Hi, jillianmarie! Welcome to the group! Like Lyzzy suggested, I usually breathe extra-deep and press the stitch. Such cramps are often muscles that need oxygen and aren't getting it. When running, your body is sending most of the oxygen to other muscle groups so your core isn't getting what it's used to getting. As you get more used to running, you probably won't get them as often. I like to breathe in and hold it for 2-3 seconds before exhaling. This lets the lungs pull all the oxygen out of each breath so you're getting more for each inhale. You may need to slow your pace a little for a short period of time to make the stitch go away.

Lyzzy, feel better! Nauseous is never fun. :/

Ooh I forgot about breathing out enough too. Make sure you empty your lungs as much as possible with the outbreath. When running easy I do in in out out out which sorts it out.

And thanks Lefty - took the last antibiotic yesterday and don't feel nauseous today! So I'm going out for a trot around this morning, no expectations of myself (I ate quite well while on the pills but stomach quite upset still through the week so not sure how much nutrition I've actually taken on).

I am glad I've done 2 half-marathons already so know I can get through this October one on force of will...!!