Knee Pain from Running

Question
I run about 4 miles 2-3 times a week but when I miss a week or two and resume my running I experience pain in the inside of one of my knees. When I resume my running I start out with just 2 mile runs but I still experience pain. I do strength training in between runs but have not been able to do it because of the pain. I can do the eliptical training without pain but the knee doesn't seem to be getting better. It hurts if I completely straighten the leg. I can locate the pain just inside the side of the knee cap. Should I stop all leg training until the knee starts to feel better or can I continue to do the eliptical training?

Answer
Hi Mike
Most problems with the knee are directly related to tracking and alignment which leads to chodromalacia.I don't no what your strength training involves as to upper or lower body,but if it is lower body which i think it might be STOP till you get your knee under control.Also switch to the stationary bike from the elliptical with workouts of 45 minutes 4 to 5 times a week med tension high rev 90 rpm and as you get stronger increase the tension gradually.This has the largest impact on correcting your alignment and tracking situation plus strengthening the quads which supports the stability of the smooth gliding motion of the knee like a train on the railroad tracks.When it jumps track you know what happens.Your knee and surrounding tendons and ligaments and tissues get beat up pretty good when it is not tracking properly.Ifyou have any more questions just get in touch Mike and let me know how that works for you.

All the best

John