Outer knee (IT band) and Below knee pain

Question
Hi John:

I started running since last one year. I ran half marathon in Oct-08. At the starting of my training i had shin problems. Since i have flat feet and also i over pronate, the running company suggested to use stability shoe. I used Mizuno Wave Nirvana 4 along with the custom made orthodics and it definitely helped with my shin pain. But towards end of my training (2-3 weeks before the race), i started getting pain in outer knee (IT Band) and also 1-2 inches below knee (you can call top of TIBIA). It wasn't severe so i continued to run and completed the race as well.

I started running again after the race but my pain around the knee is still there. I am thinking to change the shoe to Asics Gel Kayano 14. I do stretching of all my leg muscles before and after my run. When non-running days, i do elliptical using different shoe (normal with no pronation control) and without orthodics. I felt pain after i did elliptical too. Do you think I should use the same running shoe with orthodics when I do elliptical?

I want to run until i live. I read about your suggestion to eat vit c 500 mg three times a day. Do you think it applies here? Any other suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Murali


Answer
Hi Murali
First thing is all your problems are directly related to trying to accomplish to much to quickly.The only thing you need to do is relax and enjoy the process of getting healthy and giving your body a chance to catch up with your desire.Forget about orthodics,shoes,stretching,ETC.VIT C is GOLD.Any questions call or write Murali

All the best

John