Hello,
This is my first time training for a marathon and I my knee started acting up this Saturday and I couldn't complete the 12 miles and had to return half-way. The knee pain has not gone down even after resting it over the weekend and icing it (as recommended by my physical therapist). I was just rethinking my goal and I don't think I can make it for a full marathon (or rather I don't want to strain my knee training for the marathon). I would still like to do long walks and strengthen my muscles but tailor them to my needs. Is this possible?

Thanks a lot,
D

D,
A little more info could help to fix this problem and let you accomplish any goal you like. What is you age, weight and height? What part of your knee did you injure? Is the soreness in just one knee or a little in both? Is there any history of injuries/surgeries to the knee? As your PT said you should keep a steady regiment of ice going as frequently as possible (15-20 min with a towel barrier and with an hour break). Do light pain free stretching to increase blood flow and decrease spasm. Let me know where on your knee you are feeling pain so we can get you some relief.
Cheers,
Dr Jake

Hello Dr.Jake,

Thank you for replying to my post. I am 28, 170lbs and 5'4". The outer part of the knee hurts the most. I have pain in both the knees (not necessarily at the same time or at the same pain level). It is not a steady pain but I feel it more when I sit for a longer time or walk (I did my usual monday walk and my knees started hurting after that). At work, I try to just walk around and every 1/2 hr.
I didn't have any surgeries but I did injure my knee and did go for PT for the knee. I didn't have any knee pain since October'06. I started by walking short distances (about 2 miles, 3-4 times a week) and then I joined Portland fit for the training.
I am icing it regularly (not as frequently though).

Thanks,
D

D,
Outside of knee pain is usually associated with an IT band injury. The IT band originates from the lateral aspect of the hip and inserts into the lateral aspect of the knee. The long tendon is controlled by the TFL muscle and lesser so the gluteus medius muscle, both of which are above the hip. Common causes of IT band syndrome are a leg length discrepancy, ACL laxity, and foot pronation. Some aggravating factors include trail running, walking up/down stairs, running up/down hills, and a general lack of stretching the hip muscles.
I am curious as to what was the original knee injury was? Is it the same knee that is bothering you the most now? How long were you in PT?
Be more diligent about the frequency of icing. That is where the magic happens. Stretch your hip rotator muscle, hamstrings, quadriceps muscle, hip flexor, and IT band. You should stop by the tent on Saturday and have us check out your leg length difference. If there is a visual difference then you will need to get an X-ray or CT scan to determine the exact discrepancy so we can put in a heel lift and get you biomechanically sound so you can continue training to whatever goal you may choose.
Cheers,
Dr Jake