Running Injuries

[Guest]

I started running last summer. At Xmas I was fitted with orthotics for runners knee and leg length descrepencies, and only wear them in my running shoes. Recently I ran to school as I was late to pick up my kids (about 1/2 mile) in my normal shoes and have suffered very sore knees after. Should I now always wear my orthotics and running shoes if I attempt to run? Have my feet/legs now become dependent on wearing these orthotics so that when I don't wear them I am now worse off?

Thus should I be getting orthotics for my day shoes?; or would it be all right to wear my sports orthotics if I know that I am going to have to make a quick dash to school (my podiatrist said I should not use my orthotics or trainers other than for running)? Can you help. Thanks

[Guest]

There are many types of orthotics available so I do not know which type you have. You should discuss your experience with your podiatrist to determine what should be done. You may be able to wear your orthotics regularly or a second pair may be able to be made for your dress shoes. However, if you ran a half a mile in dress shoes, your knees should be sore. The difference between running shoes and dress shoes are tremendous and orthotics probably would not have helped in that situation.
[quote] I started running last summer. At Xmas I was fitted with orthotics for runners knee and leg length descrepencies, and only wear them in my running shoes... [/quote]

[CM Scott]

It sounds like you have patellofemoral syndrome also called runner's knee. Women are more porn to it because they have a greater "Q" angle than men. (The "Q" angle is the angle between the patellar tendon and the quadriceps) This will cause adnormal tracking of the knee cap which results in pain and inflamation.

I used to run in college but had to quit because of the pain in my knees. I have friends who are runners and they told me to try a knee orthosis/brace made by a new Company called In the Groove.The orthosis/brace releives the pain during running as well as normal activity. It can be worn under your clothes so no one will know your are wearing it. I plan on joining the YMCA (I need to loose the winter weight) and try running again using the In the Groove orthosis/brace. I will let you know if it helps me.

Check out the website and see if maybe it might be able to help you. When you size and fit the orthosis/brace you will know if it will help before you purchase it. If you get a prescription from you doctor you can get reimbursement from your insurance company. The website is: www.inthegroovebrace.com.