running/achy knees question

I really want to run on a regular basis for my exercise routine, but every time I do, my knees start to ache after a few weeks of it. They don't hurt while I run, but later, like in the evening usually--in fact, it affects my sleeping. I got new shoes but that didn't seem to make a difference. Any ideas, suggestions, reasons why they're doing this? Or should I just find a new exercise routine? I'm 39, maybe my body's trying to tell me something.

Hi there,

A few thoughts on this.  If you don't have any old knee injuries (from things like skiing) then your knees should be able to handle running.  However, extra weight is hard on the joints, so that may be part of the reason your knees are aching.  Since you're working on that, let's see if there are other things that could help.

1)  What are you running on?  I really try to avoid running on pavement - too hard on our older joints (I'm a decade older than you).  Dirt trails are best, and I think treadmills generally have more cushioning as well, although I've never used one.

2)  Are you stretching enough?  This can make a big difference, not just for your knees.  I posted a few stretching sites earlier today - you may want to increase the amount you stretch.

3)  Weight training can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, which can therefore provide more protection to them.

Good luck!

I also have achy knees but it is b/c of old injuries but my physical therapist told me to ice my knees after I run/jog for about 20 minutes...make sure you have a towel to put between the ice and your knees!

Also, if you have a high school that has a nice running track (rubber) you should try running there b/c of the cusioning, but that really depends on the weather. I agree with the previous poster that you should do some weight training to strengthen the muscles around your knee and stretching is also very important.

Last, there are sneakers called MBT's and they help your body improve posture, they help to strengthen your back and legs but they are pretty expensive--a pair will run you about $245 but for me they have been a life saver, I am able to walk and jog with very little problems but it does take a few weeks of walking in them before you can jog or run in them. Here is a website for them... www.mbt-info.com

Hope this helps a bit!

Did you get your shoes from a running store? It is really important to get the right type of shoes for your body type/foot type/amount (miles) you run. All three are factors for which shoes you need, and if you don't get the right ones it could cause some knee pain.

Also...ICE right after usually helps me.

Good Luck!