HI guys,

I have a weird problem.  Lately when I run/jog on the treadmill (incline 2.5-3.0), I get this really weird knee pain in the back of my knee between the the back of the knee and the top of the calf. It almost feels like a charlie horse but I will gimp for days afterward.  It doesnt hurt when I sit. But getting out of the chair where I push up/off with my heel it hurts!  Also when i walk, the rolling motion of my foot in which the heel is down and I am rolling up towards my toes (as in pushing off in the jog), it will also hurt. 

 

Any ideas what it could be?

What kind of doctor should I see. I dont want to give up my dream of doing the disney half before 40....

You need to stretch more.  Running and inclines will cause your muscles to tightening up.  Stretching and foam rolling are the cures.  With the pain you are at I would start with foam rolling twice a day to stretch the muscle out 

Hi Paul!  Thank you for responding to this post!

ok.  I will happily use a foam roller once a day at the gym (the gym has one). However,I dont have a foam roller at home but I do have a massager that I use on my lower back. Do you think they are similar enough (i.e. compression) or will the vibrations from the massager be damaging!?!?

Think of your muscles as a piece of dough.  Massaging will attack the immediate problem because it is working the area that has pain.  A foam roller will work more like a rolling pin on the muscle like it is a piece of dough.  

 

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Roller-Density-Rollers-Round/dp/B0026HYWRW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1423851265&sr=8-4&keywords=foam+roller

 

Best 10 bucks you will ever spend

I'd recommend a podiatrist - you might need orthotics if you don't already have them.  

I strongly suggest that you consult with an orthopedist. Good Luck!

My physical therapist had me get one of those foam noodle swim toys. I use that to roll my IT band and a couple other recommended areas. Hurts like the dickens (of course it hurts even worse when the PT does it) but it is working. 

I think its great how you have a dream of doing the Disney half before 40. I wish  you success. Regarding your issue may I kindly ask a few follow up questions. How often are you running (daily, several times a week, etc.)? I ask this because it may determine weather your knees, chins, maybe other joints are getting proper recuperation time. Also, have you compared to running on the incline at 2.5-3.0 to running flat to see if the issue occurs? Are you warming up and stretching before your run? If so, how long are you stretching for? How quickly are you getting into the incline (immediately, after several minutes, etc.). Are you wearing running shoes or regular walking shoes? It may be several things which is contributing to your issue or maybe 1 thing which you may or may not be doing. Try different things to narrow the issue. Be sure to document everything when it occurs and compare notes. I hope this helps and I wish you success.

HI!  Thanks for your questions.

How often are you running:

After 3 weeks off, I did 14 miles in one week (i.e. 2, seven milers with 2 days off in between)

 

Also, have you compared to running on the incline at 2.5-3.0 to running flat to see if the issue occurs?

- Have not.  I just immediately start with the incline since the belt "helps" me.  I will try it flat for a bit.

 

 Are you warming up and stretching before your run??

No stretching before the run.  Warm up is 15 minutes at 16 mph (i.e. around 16-17 min mile) for about 15 minutes.

 

How quickly are you getting into the incline

-Immediately

 

How long are you stretching for?

-Stretching after the run....10 minutes

 

 Are you wearing running shoes 

-yes, running shoes that are cushioned...NIKES

 

Any more ideas. Now the popteal area hurts a bit when figure skating. NOt pain pain..but more like, I know the muscle is there.

When was the last time you were fit for running shoes?  Have you tried different shoes since you started having pain?  In my 4 years of running I have moved through different models and brands of Shoes.  I currently wear HokaOneOne and love them.  This is year 2 in them.