Back of knee pain from Half-Marathon Training

Question
OK, I'm 25/male 5'8" currently 165lbs. I USED to be 182lbs when I started training for this half marathon. started jan 3rd. Ive been doing really really well, Heck, I couldn't even run .25 miles w/o crippling shin splints and now my longest mile is 7.5-8miles.

SO, about 1.5-2 weeks ago after a long run, i woke up to soreness to the back of my right knee.. the fleshy part. it feels like a sore tendon or something. i was limping for 2-3 days. no swelling, no bruising, no sudden tear or pop sensation. just soreness/tightness. was able to run maybe 1-2 short midweek runs (2-4 miles). but then stop for awhile because pain wouldnt go away. took 4-5 days off completely... felt decent, started running on the treadmill... and 30-45 seconds in to it..i had to stop. didnt want to risk further injuries.

As of right now, it doesnt really hurt.. just an annoying soreness. it doesnt really hurt when i bend it back but when i extend it quickly, the sore feeling increases.

so my questions are:
1. What did i injure?
2. How long before i can continue my training? i HAVE to do this half marathon. and i want to do the full in october.
3. I've been putting heat on it for about ~30min at night because it feels good. not icing it because nothing swollen or inflamed.. should i stop heating it?
4. Can i recover in time and be ready for race day april 19?
5. what can/should i be doing while i take this obligatory 2-3 weeks off so i dont waste my training?
6. is it because of me over stretching it? or because i built up my miles too fast? i am a beginner runner.
7. when i start back up again, and i plan on starting slow again but it starts hurting again? should i keep running if the pain is bearable? or am i screwed for life :(

sorry for the rambling. thanks in advance for the advice!!!

Answer
Hi Ben
It is hard to pin point,but you need to do a process of eliminating what it isn't with google images and diagnosis.It takes time.I think it is a tendon,but can't put a name on it.I would use a stationary bike to supplement your training to maintain your fitness till it heals up.You want to only use ice.I don't know if you will be ready for your race since i can't tell to what extent of damage.You probably tried to increase your training to fast and your body was not ready for the increase.You should make sure your 100% before you take on the race to avoid further damage.Ice,ice,ice and stationary bike and then test it in about a week and a half.If it still hurts after test i would forget the 1/2 marathon and find one latter when your healthy.For good info and images to pin point your situation google back of knee pain.Any other questions just get in touch or call if you like.

All the best

John




  
  Knee Pain   
  

The location of knee pain can help identify the problem. Pain on the front of the knee can be due to bursitis, arthritis, or softening of the patella cartilage as in chondromalacia patella. Pain on the sides of the knee is commonly related to injuries to the collateral ligaments, arthritis, or tears to the meniscuses. Pain in the back of the knee can be caused by arthritis or cysts, known as Baker鈥檚 cysts. Baker鈥檚 cysts are an accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee. Overall knee pain can be due to bursitis, arthritis, tears in the ligaments, osteoarthritis of the joint, or infection.

Instability, or giving way, is also another common knee problem. Instability is usually associated with damage or problems with the meniscuses, collateral ligaments, or patella tracking.