does anyone have any advice on how to prevent pain when running. i stretch, warmup and keep my running to four days per week alternating low impact activities the rest, yet lately one of my knees starts hurting about the last mile or so of my run and lasts for the quite a few hours after that. hurts like the dentist, maybe worse. its never done this and i havent injured it or anything so i fear since i recently hit 25 maybe it's just old age kickin me in the face :) hope not tho since i know quite a few 50+ folks that have been running all of their live long days. thx.

I used to have shin splints really bad, I'm not sure about knees though. Have you just started back up after winter? Could it be that you're just not used to it?

You should really put something in your title that indicates who you were. I've already forgotten. :/

How is the cushioning in your shoes? Could that be a problem?

Where is the pain in your knee? Could be you are getting some problems with the cartilage in your knee - not unusual in your early 20s.

If cushioning is not an issue, try popping some ibuprofen 1/2 hour vefore you run. If that helps, you probably do have some minor knee problems. Take a few days off, then start back up slowly again.

Although you cannot strengthen your knee itself, you can strengthen the muscles that can help support it. Do leg lifts, lying on your lower back (supporting your upper back with your arms) your back, lift your legs straight up and down. But more likely, I would think it could be your shoes, like Tame suggests. (I've been agreeing with him a lot lately, strange times we are living in! :) )

Are you rapidly increasing the speed or time of your runs? You may feel like you can go much further, as your heart and lungs get stronger right away, but your bone structure and ligaments take many months to get used to your workouts. It's addictive to keep pushing yourself, but do it slowly, like 10% longer or faster when you want to improve to the next level.

I agree, make sure your shoes are in good shape and still have good cushioning and soles. Take a day off now and then.

Off-topic, do you raise sea horses?

Back to topic. I myself was running about 4 miles a day, then pushed it to 6 miles a day. I started feeling sharp pains in my calf muscles, so I intentionally took a week off from my runs. Good thing I did, cuz I just found out I was pregnant. :) Now, I'm going to just walk or very moderately jog.

thx guys. the only time i really take breaks is when i go an vacation or something for a few weeks tops. cant describe where in my knee it is, the inside, perhaps it could be cartiladge. time/speed has increased but gradually. I am thinking/hoping it is my shoes. almost a year old now and definitely worn out so i will get new ones soon. good Q, no i dont raise see horses i just adore them :)
title changed!

Sounds like your shoes.

Thalia - embrace...the...dark...side. :tame:

Oh my God, I'm sure it's your shoes! You should replace them every few months even if they they don't feel broken down. Also, it's a good idea to go up a half size with your running shoe from your normal shoe size. Make sure you're streching a little before and after your runs. If you have a tightness in your hips and pelvic girdle from shortened hamstrings, it could show up in a knee injury. But, as I first stated, it's most likely your shoes.