Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

I have knee pain whenever I work out. Even though I have a healthy BMI/weight and an excellent hip to waist ratio... the knee doctor just told me my quads are too weak, and I need to strengthen them at physical therapy. I work out 5-7 days a week for 30-60 minutes a day. I run on the treadmill, walk on inclines, do squats, lunges, jillian michaels DVD's... I think it is odd that I am physically active, at a healthy weight and yet he says the pain is from weakness. BLAH. I feel $h!tty and just wanted to vent.

I researched into this when I got home, and I think he failed to mention that I have Runner's Knee. Every single symptom fits me and part of what causes runner's knee is weak quads, but also takes into account my feet (I have low arches and needed custom orthotics), as well as other common issues. Plus the rest, raising of the legs, and icing relieves my symptoms as well.

Does anyone else suffer from runner's knee or weak quads? What do you do to relieve the pain? What have doctors told you about this?

Message edited 5/20/2011 5:00:28 PM.

Re: Knees

I had this problem a few years ago and it was due to weak quadracep muscles. That's weird though that you work out so much and still have the problem. I guess you just need to really focus on that area. My doctor didn't recommend physical therapy...just that I try to strengthen them on my own...but your condition could be worse. It will get better though!

Re: Knees

I have the same problem. Many many women do.

Re: Knees

Try not to feel bad! PT will help you target the weak muscles and in the end you will feel better.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

I have this as well. I dont have fully flat feet, but my arch is very very low and I overpronate when running. Lately it's caused major pain in my knees to the point where I've had to take weeks off from excersizing and even walking up and down stairs is killing me. I'm in constant pain I live on advil and it does practically nothing. I think I'm going to see the doctor next week because I'm going on 3 weeks of pain in my knees with no end in sight.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

Posted by HomeIsWithU

I have this as well. I dont have fully flat feet, but my arch is very very low and I overpronate when running. Lately it's caused major pain in my knees to the point where I've had to take weeks off from excersizing and even walking up and down stairs is killing me. I'm in constant pain I live on advil and it does practically nothing. I think I'm going to see the doctor next week because I'm going on 3 weeks of pain in my knees with no end in sight.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

I don't have knee problems, but have you thought about running outside? downhills work your quads and you cannot really get downhills on typical treadmills.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

I have this too. It got really bad about 2 years ago that I went to PT for about 3 months. I still continue to do the exercises I learned at PT at home every other day. When I slack off, I definitely feel it in my knees.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

I'm an overpronator with high arches...and have runner's knee! We could have a whole support group on here!

I went to PT and they did excercises with me to help strengthen my quads and hamstrings.

Runner's Knee is no fun at all.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

Yes we could have a support forum! How long did you do PT for? I think they told me 20 sessions is my limit, the doctor recommended 4-6 weeks, so maybe I'll only be going 5-10 sessions.

Did it actually help your knee?

Message edited 5/21/2011 10:04:09 AM.

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

I did it twice a week for 2 1/2 months.

It defintely helped my knee alot! It still hurts but its getting there.

Its a tough road to recovery.

Also, my PT told me avoid squats, lunges, kneeling, and downhill running. (Until my knee was better).

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

Here I am doing more squats and lunges to try and strengthen my quads and yet I'm being counterproductive I guess...

This confuses me!

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

you can also try to sit on a chair and do the following:

-sit on the edge of the chair, lift one leg up and pulse up and down without letting your foot touch the floor

-then take that leg and extend it all the way out and back in again, repeat

-then, leaving the leg extended out, pulse up and down

you can use a weight for more resistance, place it just above the knee. I did these a lot when I was strengthening, less pressure on the knee

Re: Knees: Runner's Knee/Weak Quads

Posted by BaysideForever

Here I am doing more squats and lunges to try and strengthen my quads and yet I'm being counterproductive I guess...

This confuses me![/QUOTE

I know exactly what you mean!! Basically you can do them but make sure your knee isn't hurting. At least thats what I think