I just started running a few months back, and recently my knees and the joints of my big toes have been bothering me. I really have never had any coaching on how best to run. Could it be possible that my stride is off, and I'm hurting myself? I think perhaps the toe joint is due to the way I place my foot. Maybe I should try to place the back of my foot down sooner? On the other hand, I tend to run up and down hills a lot...so it seems inevitable that the toe hits first.

As to the knee, is it possible that it's the way I'm bearing my weight as I step. Can the knee be taking too much strain?

I'm a young guy, and I don't think it could be my joints getting worn down.

With multiple issues like that, I always suspect shoes first. How old are they, were the designed for running and do you have any others you can try to see if that solves the problem?

I am not sure where you live but i bet there is a running or walking store somewhere and most of those places will anylis your stride for free and recommend a shoe for you or if yours are new a insert of some sort most of us pronate our feet or supinate which under the stress of running can cause all those problems. I will also say you need to have at least 2 pairs of shoes to change off into every other day or so. NB makes a great running shoe. oNe other thing try to take it slow at first do a walk run for the fisrt few weeks to get your legs and jionts use to it. Like walk for 2 minutes then run for 2, do that for a few day the go 3/3 for a week then walk 2 run 5 few day work or body into it slowly you be much happier and so will your body and joints. also make sure you stretch! before is good but it is much more important to stretch after a good 10 or 15 min. also 800 of IBuprfin for a few days will help if your toe or knees are really sore or swollen.

Well I always do yoga in the mornings right before I run so the stretching isn't a problem, but to be honest, my shoes are just ratty sneakers that I had lying around. Maybe I'll invest in a good pair. Thanks for the advice.

Take it from me, shoes make a HUGE difference. ;)

Just chiming in to agree with everybody else that shoes do make a big difference. :) I think you'll be surprised at how much of a difference.

Post stretching is more important that aper stretch.... there are many studys outt here that prove a post stresh does more than a per run stretch in the pervention of sorness and injury.

I 100% agree with what people are saying (in fact, I'm learning from this thread too!) but to just add more food for thought, what surface do you run on? Do you run on the street, pavement, or grass? I always try to run on a track or grass (if possible) as it helps absorb the shock in my joints. If you have to run on street (sometimes I just cant go to the park) try to make a conscious effort to run "heal-toe" and round the movement of your foot (hard to explain in words). This will also lessen the shock in your joints.

I think I'm also going to go look at some running shoes, as I'm running in old vans! Please dont stone me! :whack: Any recommendations on cheep shoes? I am a poor college student after all. :D

BTW, thanks for the info about stretching after you workout! I've always stretched before. Should you stretch right after a workout, or can you wait an hour or so?

I think I'm also going to go look at some running shoes, as I'm running in old vans! Please dont stone me! :whack: Any recommendations on cheep shoes? I am a poor college student after all. :D



As a former poor college student, I can sympathize with the need for cheap shoes. However, as someone who bought cheap shoes and has experienced that they do not last very long...it's probably better to save up your money and get a pair of nice shoes. I got my shoes for like $18. They lasted less than 6 months, and now I might as well be running barefoot, or in boots or something, as they offer me no support. My shins and knees get jarred repetitively when I run. It makes my shoulders tense as well.
As a result, I end up being very tense in my muscles for a long period of time.

I just got a job, and will be looking into a pair of New Balance ASAP, because I love to run, and I love the benefits of running.

NB makes a good shoe and it is true that you may spens 25. on a pair of shoes thatonly last a short while then you end up in the same spot so it would really be better to save and get a better pair that will last longer. Also its a good thing to ask for if you got a B-day or any type gift giving holiday coming up some reason the folks can always buy shoes. being a poor college student it maybe harder to do but it is really wise to have 2pair . there is a really great book it is called The beinning runner's handbook good for new runners and old runnners alike. very informative itwill be in your libary. talks about shoes and running surfaces. check it out you wont be sorry.
You should stretch after your run as part of your cool down because this is when your muscels are warm and much more flexible and this will also help with your post run sorness. you are more like to hurt a cold musel stretching than a warm one.