Sore ankles, knees and lower back
Question
Hi
I am 35 years old and weigh 70kg. I am 12% body fat. I have been weightlifting(natural no steroids) and cardio training(cycling) for years although recently I decided to get back into running.
Three weeks ago I went for a 3 mile run 3 times a week. During this I noticed pain in my ankles and lower back but it would disappear after I had completed my run. The second week I repeated the same exercise routine with the same problems occurring.
I attempted to continue with the running but with the pain in my ankles, lower back and now my inside knees it was too much. I lasted 2 minutes and had to stop. For the last 6 days my left side of my right knee and the right side of my left knee feel tender and sore to touch.
What is happening? Why is it happening? What do I do to prevent this?
(additional info. I had my feet checked and I am underpronating so I bought a quality running shoe(?00) to compensate for this.)
Answer
Hi Shane
It appears that you have stayed in pretty good shape over the years with a good variety of activities,but running is another activity just like weights and biking.The common thread on this is they all utilize and have to adapt there muscular skeleton system to the specific activity on a gradual build up toward target goals.In the course of this build up you will experience some of the things you have mentioned and they all seem some what normal depending on the intensity etc.of your runs.For your info Shane running is also a form of weight lifting and in your case lifting and pulling and stretching ligaments,tendons,muscles up and down many reps on 70kg in a 3 mile run on a muscular skeleton system that has not been exposed to this kind of activity is going to rebel and talk to you.Just trying to put it in perspective so you can visualize from a different angle.I think you just have to proceed very gradually and be careful of the intensity.There is two things that do help with recovery which are 500mg vit c with your 3 meals a day and a couple of Epson salt baths a week till some of the soreness subsides.It really doesn't appear to me that you have anything serious working.I hope this helps Shane,but in case you have other questions just get in touch.
All the best
John
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