I have been running for many years - over no great distances - with minimal injury problems. I decided that this was the year to attempt the marathon (I'm 41). However, as soon as I stepped up the distances (10k runs at lunchtime, 2-3 times a week; 12-15k run on Saturdays), my knee "exploded". Well, it swelled up and became very tight. Been to the sports doc - he prescribed anti-inflams and no running for three weeks. I can see that I should be able to return to "normal", so it is not the end of the world, but I still want a go at "the big one". I have booked in to see a rheumatologist to get a clearer picture of what is actually happening, but one thing I can change is to buy the "cushioniest" runners available, to hopefully soften the pounding that my knee is getting. Any suggestions? I have been running in NB715s, but perhaps it is time to spend up. Perhaps the 715s just aren't designed for longer runs? I have run about 700km in them, so perhaps they had lost their cushioning anyway?
Regards,
Mark
0
Cushioning
Started by Mark S, Jun 07 2004 07:40 PM
7 replies to this topic
#1
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Posted 07 June 2004 - 07:40 PM
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#2
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Run away, run away, run away....
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Posted 07 June 2004 - 08:18 PM
Try a running podiatrist before the medico's. Sounds like my knees many years ago - a good pair of fitted running orthotics fixed them within no time at all.
Getting a pair of softer, and therefore less supportive, shoes may make matters worse IF the problem is biomechanical.
750k is heading towards end of life, but again, it depends - how long have you had them, how much do you weigh, how fast are you?
Always more questions... ;)
Getting a pair of softer, and therefore less supportive, shoes may make matters worse IF the problem is biomechanical.
750k is heading towards end of life, but again, it depends - how long have you had them, how much do you weigh, how fast are you?
Always more questions... ;)
#3
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Posted 07 June 2004 - 10:27 PM
Contrary to popular opinion cushioning is not usually the cause of knee injuries. Poor biomechanics is much more likely to be the cause of problems.
They did a study in Sweden where they put bone stress pins in the knee and measured the forces running across different surfaces. What they found was the softer the surface the more force went through the knee. The theory is that a hard surface gives better feedback from the ground and you can use your muscles more effectively to absorb shock. Going to a firm midsole would probably give you better cushion and improve your biomechanics. I would say you should see a sports podiatrist to see if you have any structural issues.
The other consideration is that you may have damaged a ligament in your knee if there is excesive swelling. You need to get the swelling down and then have the knee stability tested.
It is unlikely that just changing shoes will be enough to fix your problem.
Good Luck
They did a study in Sweden where they put bone stress pins in the knee and measured the forces running across different surfaces. What they found was the softer the surface the more force went through the knee. The theory is that a hard surface gives better feedback from the ground and you can use your muscles more effectively to absorb shock. Going to a firm midsole would probably give you better cushion and improve your biomechanics. I would say you should see a sports podiatrist to see if you have any structural issues.
The other consideration is that you may have damaged a ligament in your knee if there is excesive swelling. You need to get the swelling down and then have the knee stability tested.
It is unlikely that just changing shoes will be enough to fix your problem.
Good Luck
#4
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veryCoolRunner
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Posted 07 June 2004 - 11:24 PM
I once tried a more cushioned shoe and found that it actually made my knees worse due to lack of support.
#5
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Posted 08 June 2004 - 12:46 PM
You should also look at how quickly/suddenly you increased the mileage. There might not be any undue biomechanical problem, but you just exceeded the capacity of the "weakest link" to deal with stress. Had you stepped up more slowly, you might have given the offending muscle or connective tissue the opportunity to strengthen and respond to the increased mileage. You can only improve as fast as the weakest link allows. This is another way of looking at the "increase by no more than 10%/week" rule.
I'm not saying this is the problem, just another possible angle to look at.
Steve
I'm not saying this is the problem, just another possible angle to look at.
Steve
#6
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Posted 08 June 2004 - 07:19 PM
The generosity of this board astounds me - thank you all for your answers. I am getting the impression that it is not so much the cushioning, but the quality. As I am a bloke with wide feet, and carrying a couple of extra kilos, I am leaning to the Asics 10/20 90s - what's the difference between the two?
And now I am trying to figure out whether I stepped the k's too fast - it didn't feel like it at the time, but I think I did break the 10% rule. Mmmm.
A week or so has past now, and the knee is feeling better, but not 100%. I also started the glucosamine 3-4 weeks ago, so it might still come together for me. Thanks again for the advice.
Regards,
Mark
And now I am trying to figure out whether I stepped the k's too fast - it didn't feel like it at the time, but I think I did break the 10% rule. Mmmm.
A week or so has past now, and the knee is feeling better, but not 100%. I also started the glucosamine 3-4 weeks ago, so it might still come together for me. Thanks again for the advice.
Regards,
Mark
#7
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veryCoolRunner
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Posted 09 June 2004 - 03:05 AM
Mark
The 2090's are ok but for cushioning I like the Nimbus - however, they do not have any control and do not come in the wide (4E) fit. You may need a cushioning insert in the 2090.
S
The 2090's are ok but for cushioning I like the Nimbus - however, they do not have any control and do not come in the wide (4E) fit. You may need a cushioning insert in the 2090.
S
#8
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veryCoolRunner
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Posted 09 June 2004 - 11:35 PM
Hi Mark,
Definitely try on the Brooks Trance NXS also (and get your running posture assessed as Steve suggested).
I'm an 88Kg runner with moderately wide feet and orthotics, and have found this shoe to have a far better combination of control and cushioning than most I've tried recently.
Cheers, Andy
Definitely try on the Brooks Trance NXS also (and get your running posture assessed as Steve suggested).
I'm an 88Kg runner with moderately wide feet and orthotics, and have found this shoe to have a far better combination of control and cushioning than most I've tried recently.
Cheers, Andy
