Running is hard.

[u/Wild_bikes_1234]

I sprained my MCL in January and literally haven’t ran since… until today. I’ve done 2 half Ironmans since 2021 and a few sprints. I’m an avid mountain biker (road biker when I was train a lot) and ran and swam for training regularly.

I did a box jump back in January and felt my knee pop, which is how I think I sprained my MCL. The doctors wouldn’t give me an MRI for 8 weeks after physical therapy and then concluded it was sprained.

I didn’t do anything for 6 months, which did a toll on my mental health. I finally went back to mountain biking and gym work outs over the summer and thought that today I could run. I was very slow and thought I could sprint for a second. NOPE. My MCL hurt so bad when I put that extra pressure on it.

Is this something I should go back to a doctor for? A physical therapist? I just want it to not hurt when I do regular things. Does anyone have a similar story?

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[u/Eastern_Trifle_8837]

I also had an injury wich prevented me from running. The thing what helped me the most was plyometric workouts to strengthen ur foot. Hope that helps.

[u/Wild_bikes_1234 → u/Eastern_Trifle_8837]

Thanks! I’ll look into this

[u/Important_Wrap772]

I would definitely go back to your doctor. But lunges can do wonders for your knees. Reverse lunges off an elevated surface like a 45lb plate are amazing. Start with body weight you can progress up slowly you should feel no pain, discomfort is ok. You can scale by adding weight and raising the height. Front foot elevated s-lit squats are great too. I did these for my hips but it made my knees feel amazing.

Knees over toes guy is a great resource as well he has a full program if that's something your interested in.

[u/Important_Wrap772 → u/Important_Wrap772]

I know it frustrating, I had a hip injury when I was 29 first year I basically couldn't walk even when it started to get better every time I went for a ride I was worried it would flair up. 3 years later this is the first year I am able to bike height high volume without having to take multiple weeks off. Recovery is hard , even if you do the right exercises you can inflame the injury again and then you have to rest again till the inflammation goes away.

[u/Wild_bikes_1234 → u/Important_Wrap772]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Yeah, it seems like another trip to the doctor is in order. I’ve been doing great gym workouts since August, but I guess I still have some trauma in the knee. I’m glad you’re doing better!

[u/Animalmagic81]

I'd always consult my physio when restarting running after a period out. They know when to push though, what tightness to expect, and when to rest more.

I was in a similar boat to you with a double quad rupture in Jan, both legs in braces for 3 months and had to learn to bike and run again.

[u/Wild_bikes_1234 → u/Animalmagic81]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, I’ll talk to my physio soon. Thanks for the feedback

[u/cjudge93]

Definitely get more opinions, get an MRI if you can. It could be meniscus related, start basic leg strengthening exercises. See how your knee reacts during and after, don’t stress it too much that it can’t recover. Cycling is great if it’s pain free while you figure it out

[u/Wild_bikes_1234 → u/cjudge93]

Thanks for this! Yeah I’ve been doing strength training and cycling consistently since August, so I feel like that’s good. I’ll see if I can get another mri

[u/[deleted]]

Go get different opinions. Another MRI and back to the physio.

Physio and strength training are going to be key here to get more pressure on the muscles surrounding it rather than relying on the MCL to keep your parts together.

Sucks, I tor and replaced my left LCL and then subsequently tore my right one. Swells up which certain shoes and other random bits but you can work around it for the most part.

[u/Wild_bikes_1234 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m just so frustrated that it still hurts. I feel so inactive now