Personal Development Community

I have been getting a pain in my right knee toward the end of my LSBB.  It doesn’t happen consistently, but it will make my knee ache for about a day or so preventing me from walking until it has “healed”.  I’m hoping someone has some ideas as to why this is happening. 

Here are some specifics: I don’t really stretch out (how do you stretch a knee?), but I walk/stroll at 1/2 speed for about 5-6 minutes (through Keeping the Vision) and then I will speed up to about 2 steps a second (Left foot hits every second).  Not too fast, but enough to raise my heart rate.  I walk in athletic-like shoes I bought for $20 at Walmart 1-2 years ago (but are still basically comfy).  I walk on the sidewalk that surrounds the playground portion of my park (small circles but I can watch my son play).  I have walked 45-60 minutes 3-5 times a week but the pain only happens maybe once a week.  Last night was the first time I had walked since Saturday and the aching began at about 45 minutes and I immediately slowed to 1/2 speed to cool down and stopped.  Today my knee is uncomfortable but not painful and I know I probably can’t walk tonight without aggravating it.  I am 5’8” and 195lb so I’m sure weight plays an issue but since my left knee doesn’t hurt I’m not sure what’s up. 

On a side note about shoes/feet: I have an old elliptical I use at my house.  The legs move but the feet stay planted the entire time.  My feet (both) will start to feel numb/tingly/achy after only a few minutes.  I try to ignore it and push through but it is very annoying.  It stops as soon as I do so there is no lasting discomfort--it is mostly annoying and distracting.  I mention this because I have wondered if this is a shoe problem.  I have never believed that price/brand makes one shoe better than the next so I try to find comfy athletic/running type shoes (because I think the “running” versus “walking” designation implies more shock support--probably complete marketing BS). 

Any ideas?  Thanks!

Your body is telling you something.  Pain is your gauge.  If it hurts in a bad way, you need to alter what you do.

Seriously though, get some good shoes.  They need to provide comfort and support.  One is not the same as the other.  I garantee that a $20 pair shoes is not giving you the support you need.  A decent walking or running shoe has a good arch support, prevents your heel from moving sideways in the shoe, doesn’t pinch anywhere, is not too loose, has a fairly wide tread, lots of shock absorption, not too high off the ground, breathes well, and is comfortable to wear.  The last pair of Nike crosstrainers I bought was 80 bucks at Shopko.  Go to a store, put a pair on, tie them up, and walk around for a couple minutes.  You might notice the difference immediately.

The pain you’re experiencing could indicate future tendon and ligament damage in your knee. Same thing with the tingly feelings in your feet.  Try different shoes.  If the problem persists after that, see a doctor.  The damage you do with cheap shoes now, may require surgery to fix in the future.

Hope this helps. Cheers

I’m hoping it is something as easy as a shoe problem but I don’t know enough about exercise shoes to trust if someone is trying to sell me something I really don’t need because it’s a “better sale” for them.  Thanks for the recommendation of brand/type.  Any other recommendations of good shoes is appreciated!

Just go into a store and try a few pairs on.  Don’t need to buy the first pair you try on.  Find something you like.  I know what I like now so I always get roughly the same thing.  Don’t make too big a deal out of it though.  Just get the best you can afford and that feel right on your feet.  It’s like anything else, just have fun with it!

Lots of us on here have had knee issues and I’ve come to realize that each of our problems is unique.  I can offer suggestions of what worked for me, but it didn’t necessarily work for others.  I have issues with the tracking of my knee caps.  And as a woman my anatomy is not ideal.  Stregthening the inner part of my quad with leg raises (toe turned out) and ball squats) helped, but I now wear a strap below my knees whenever I workout to help guide the patella.  Stretching is very important too.  The knee itself doesn’t have a lot of muscle around it, but all the major muscles in your legs attach in the area, so streching your quads, hamstirngs and calves is important for healthy knees.

I also agree with Derek.  Spending money on good footware is worth it in the long run.  You may not feel the difference right away, but a good shoe will keep you walking better and longer.  My favourite brand is New Balance (over Nike anyway).  I recently replaced my workout shoes and got 2 new pair.  A cheeper pair for for daily wear and a more $$ pair for training.  The $$ pair feel so good on my feet!! 
Shoes also wear out.  Look at the bottom of the tread.  Is it still flat and level after a lot of wear? or is one side more worn than the other.  If it’s not level it won’t control the way your heal strikes the ground or the way your foot rolls arcoss as you step.  In the long run this could lead to problems throughout your body (all why up to your head!!).  Your still young enough that you may not feel the effects that you may be developing, so take care of your feet now and you can avoid problems in the future.

As far as the feet falling asleep on the elliptical - I think that is a common problem.  It happens to me too.  I think it is because we tend to keep our weight on the balls of the feet on the elliptical.  Try adjusting your foot position and putting the weight more on the heels.

Good luck and keep at it.  You’ll see results.

I agree with things everyone has said here so far.
Knees are a delicate subject!

I was told in WW that for every pound we lose, it relieves 5 lbs. of pressure off the knees. 

Your weight has a lot to do with how long shoes last as well. Your shoes may look great still, but you have worn them out as far as constant pressure from your weight bearing down on them. If you are going to use the cheaper shoes .... they will only be good for a couple of months (literally) and that’s if you only use them for working out.

I apply this to myself as well. I am quite a bit heavier than you are and at this point, I will NOT invest in the expensive shoes, cuz at my weight, I will wear out the cushioning in far less than the time that is recommended. It’s just a fact. They are not designed to carry my weight!

I have tons of sneakers. Some for aerobics, some for running, some for walking, some for kettlebells. I try to keep track of them and replace them when needed. It makes all the difference in the world.

Do you do any weightlifting?  Squats and lunges are just awesome in strengthening all those muscles around the knee. It’s so very important.  Just a thought. Again, proper form & technique should be used or you can hurt yourself.

As far as the foot falling asleep and tingling on the elliptical. It is common, I believe it is also a foot placement issue. I turn my foot out a little bit (so it’s not dead-on straight forward) and it seems to help.  Not a lot. . . Maybe an inch or so. Play around with it and see how you do!

Good luck and keep us posted as to what you do/decide.
Cleda

I went into a shop for runners.  Told the sales clerk I was mainly looking for cross training/walking shoes.  She made me walk/run outside so she could see what my stride was.  Then I had to try on a few different shoes and walk/run.  I found the most comfortable pair of sneakers and it was so well worth the time and price.

Best of luck with your knee.  I have a old nagging knee injury and when it acts up boy is it difficult to move around comfortably.

Karen