I used to be an avid runner and have not run as much since having children. Six years ago I had a torn miniscus injury while training for a marathon (towards the end of training around 20 miles) and I had ongoing knee pain during this training as well. I have been running about 6 miles a week in addition to playing soccer until joining Portland Fit two weeks ago. I weigh about 115, am 5'3, and wear an admittedly older, but not used that much, pair of New Balance shoes. The knee pain I have is after runs and lasts 1-2 days. It hurts going up and down stairs, standing up from squatting, etc. I can often hear a creaking sound in my knees.
I'm planning on getting new shoes, icing my knees, and maybe fast walking one of my runs during the week. Is doing other cardiovascular work a good idea to save the knees or will it interfere with the overall training? Or should I lay off of the training all together to prevent more serious injury?
Thanks

Hey Jen,
Let's get some more info before we figure out the best course of action. Is it both knees or just one (the previously injured one?) Where in the knee does it hurt: inside (medial), outside (lateral), distal to the kneecap (inferior), under the kneecap (inside), or behind the knee? Is the pain sharp with motion or a dull constant ache?

Icing the knee will be helpfull to decrease the swelling. Stretching the calves and thighs help to maintain good circulation and decreases tension on the muscular insertion points. Any cross-training that is low impact like ellyptical, cycling or swimming is absolutely great for maintaining cardio while decreasing impact on the knees. In fact people without knee pain should be doing some cross-training. Knees are tricky joints and should be taken care of properly. Get back to me soon and I will respond. Also if you have time, stop by the Clearwater tent on Sat. and have a doc check out those knees.
Cheers,
Dr. Jake

Thanks for the quick reply. I went by Portland Running Co. to get new shoes today. They watched me run and said I pronate inward and set me up with shoes with more arch support. They said that should help.
To answer you questions... it is both knees, but primarily the left. It is in the medial (inner upper) part of the kneecap and almost in the inside (under the knee cap). The left knee that aches worse is, I'm almost positive, the knee that had the miniscal tear. The tear healed on it's own after 3 months of rest because it was in the back of the knee. It hurts- more of an ache- when climbing stairs, getting up after being seated for awhile, etc. The pain also dies away when I'm running, but returns a couple hours after the run and decreases in intensity over time. I will stop by the tent- hopefully this weekend. Thanks