Brand new here--seeking ITB/runner's knee relief

Hi, everyone. I'm brand new here but have been running about 4 years. I've run 4 marathons and a 60K. Early in my running career, I was injured a LOT (PF, compartment syndrome which required surgery, achilles tendonitis, etc. etc.).

I had a baby in 2010 and, since then, had been running completely injury free. I began wearing only Nike Frees and cut out all track work. My times improved and I wasn't hurt. I trained for and completed my first ultra (60K) this past March. Did great building up for and during the race. Took a few days off afterward and then resumed running. I've been suffering with IT band and runner's knee pain ever since. I am very frustrated because I thought I had it all figured out--high quantity miles and minimal footwear. And now this. It still hurts to run, and also a little when I walk. What can I do?

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Permalink Reply by john hudak on April 21, 2012 at 2:13pm

hi wendy,

have you tried foam rolling your IT band? lateral band walks and clamshells for strengthening the ad/abductors?

best,

john

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Permalink Reply by Jenn Kast on April 24, 2012 at 10:36pm

Hi Wendy, just a random thought on causation. Do you still hold or carry your baby much? I had a problem with my hip and knee when my children were younger. When I got to the Osteopath complaining of a running injury, she chuckled and said it was the children not the running. Apparently carrying children on the hip (so one hand is free) results in an imbalance in the hips, as you push the carrying hip a bit forward to accommodate the weight of the child. Once I started encouraging more walking and balance biking, things started to get better. Just a thought. Jenn