I am 18 years old and I have been running with breaks for over 3 years long distance running. My knee joints hurt, something is crunching in them. Sometimes it hurts for a while, but it passes later. I have trouble squatting and climbing stairs. My knee only hurts in the left leg. Of course, I have appropriate cushioned footwear etc. Is this ailment normal at such a young age? Can I still run and how to take care of the joints so that I can run until old age?
You should take care of the joints through skilfully dosed effort. You should use stretching exercises and strengthening the muscles that stabilize the joints, it is also worth buying pharmacological preparations, the so-called "joint regenerators" containing glocosamine, collagen and shark cartilage. This is especially important because our diet is often incomplete. The knee joints get used to running on a hard surface (e.g. after systematic training, the body produces more synovial fluid) - however, this process lasts a long time and injuries often occur along the way. Hard surfaces should be avoided. Especially after a longer break, you need to carefully and slowly return to the previous loads. If the pain affects only one limb is persistent and does not go away, consult an orthopedist.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Paweł F. NowakExpert in physical activity (aerobics instructor, swimming, athletics trainer), marathon runner, author of the books "Running - a way to a he althy life" and "Women's he alth training in the context of modern lifestyle".
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