Numb knee

Question
Hello I hope you can help me I go running every ofter day bout 6miles and as iam running knee goes numb on my left knee starting from top then gose around it but then I have to stop and rub my knee before I can carry on. This never used to do it what could I do about this thanks for your time from Martin

Answer
Martin,  I'm sorry to hear your troubles with running.  Good job on working hard though!  A nerve and/or the blood vessels to a nerve are being compressed.  This is likely from muscles getting tight and moving something into an incorrect position.  The following are the steps you should take in order.

1. Don't run for 4 days.
2. While you are not running perform hip, ankle, and foot exercises. (You can see videos at this link http://www.youtube.com/user/RaineyNick?feature=watch)
3. Start running again after the 4 days of no running and just performing hip, ankle, and foot exercises.  If the numbness occurs at the same time and feels the same way it did previously then you need to see a physiotherapist (physical therapist) that is experienced with nerve problems.  He or she will be able to determine if other types of exercise is needed or if there is something more serious occurring.  

Please let me know if you have any questions with these instructions.  Within 5 days you should know if you need to seek extra care.