The success of the London 2012 Olympics has had a huge impact upon society including the greater participation in sporting activities. This is a truly vital legacy and we must seek to pervade this healthy mindset to all corners of the country and across all the age ranges to optimise the benefits.

Those seeking immediate gratification will have pulled out the old trainers, dusted off the bike in the shed or grabbed the shorts (or briefs) and visited the local pool – see Get Active London. This is indeed a welcome shift towards more active lifestyles at a time when we have increasing understanding of the benefits of regular exercise for both body and brain.

Turning our attention to a consequence of either taking up running for the first time or re-starting having had a break, inspired by the mighty achievements of our athletes, there can be a few aches and pains in the knees. Sometimes the onset will be quick and at other times gradual. I will look briefly at why this can happen, remembering that when you increase your level of exercising it is usually quite normal for there to be some pain afterward. If you are unsure it is advisable that you seek the opinion of your local health professional as soon as possible so that the correct treatment and management is started.

Training methods

A sudden change in the demands upon our joints, particularly the knees in running due to the impact, can trigger local sensitivity in the joint and surrounding tissues. We should think carefully about the baseline, or start point from where the programme can be progressed. Too much too soon will hurt and especially if there is not adequate time between exercising bouts for a good level of recovery in the early stages. It may not be the first time out but the second or third that the pain begins.

The shoes that are used are vital. You do not have to spend a small fortune on the latest running kit but it is sensible to have a good trainer that is suitable for your foot type and provides the right kind of support. If you have pulled out an old, smelly pair of runners from under the stairs, you may have problems. Make a visit to a good quality running shop, for example Run & Become.

Where you decide to go running will determine the loading upon the joints. Start easily and gradually build up the time and speed, thinking about where you are training. Up and down hills and uneven grouns will pose more of a challenge of course.

Old injuries

If you have had a problem with your knees before, re-starting running could re-ignite the pain. It is not totally out of the question to take up running again, but you should ensure that the motor control, movement and proprioception is adequate and then gradually build the intensity. It will be best to seek advice in this case as there maybe some essential rehabilitation training that is required before starting the running programme.

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There will be many people enthusiastically exercising as a result of the Olympics and this is to be commended. It is important to really consider how to start training, the baseline and progressions and using the right equipment.

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