Leg or knee pain

[eyesfromafar]

Ive been running for 10 years. About 2 months ago i stared to run hills. I also do crossfit (if you havent done it--its awesome). In the last week, i have had pain in my left knee--but not really in my knee. It feels like the muscles above my knee and below are sore. My knee feels stiff but getting better--I havent done much in the last couple of days. When i squat i can feel a little bit of pain in my knee cap. has anyone ever had this? Id love all and any feedback....

[Ruth]

Hello eyesfromafar,

It sounds that you might have problems with the tracking of your kneecap, possibly due to muscle imbalances. This may not show itself when running on flat surfaces, but when you start running hills which is much more intensive on the quadriceps muscles, problems like this can start to materialise.

Have you had a look at the knee articles on the site, specifically http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/indexcmp.php

There are some exercises for strengthening the quad muscles here http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/cmp/strengthening.php

If you are concerned it may be worth getting your biomechanics checked out by a Physiotherapist to get an understanding of which muscles may be causing the problem and developing a rehabilitation program to target these muscles specifically.

[eyesfromafar]

I have a feeling you are right. My leg muscles have been feeling weird--like something is not right. I do have flat feet and already made an appointment for shoe inserts. Ill look up the websites you recommended. Thanks again.
Semper Fi

[Kim]

I have about the same problem, when I would go on my run with a long steep hill and other shorter hills. My knee pain was in one knee and would be gone when I stopped. Problem is not going up, but the steep down-hill run. Being a toe-runner made it worse, I think. Being 51 now and I also have some aching pain in that knee, even at rest. Probably early arthritis setting in.