I really wanted to do the Pittsburgh Half this year but I ran into knee issues. The original issue is that I over pronate and it causes irritation in the joint. It's pretty painful unless I dose up on ibuprofen or Tylenol pre-run. I've been dealing with this for about 8 months now. Basically my physical therapist said I could probably run whatever I want if I'm willing to endure the pain but wasn't sure if any of you had some "trade secrets" of people who run and train a lot.
My second issue is about 2 months ago I experienced a crush injury on the same knee and thigh. I still see bruising both places but I'm not getting a whole lot of pain anymore. The doctor told me to work slowly back in to running but I'm not even sure where to start or the progression. I honestly think that was my initial problem. I went from running maybe 1 1/2 miles a day to 3-4 depending on the day and I didn't do it gradually.
Any information that can help me would be awesome. I've been swimming a lot and running maybe a mile at most each time I do. I'm just really nervous about it since a knee injury is also a set back for my career (Navy).
I'm sorry you're dealing with all this. For the pronation the only thing I can suggest is trying to research someone who does a really good job fitting running shoes. Sometimes the right insert and shoe really make a huge difference. Maybe even a custom orthotic? Sometimes a chiropractor or PT might offer this type of thing & be better than a running store. I suppose it's also true you may just have to deal with some level of discomfort from the pronation.
A few summers ago I dropped a small trailer hitch on my upper thigh above the knee, and I had a lot of pain and serious bruising. I don't know if this is similar to your injury, but I was running without pain after some healing & time off. Even now it is still tender in certain weather, and if I press on the area I get a weird tingling feeling.
Maybe try a run /walk pattern as you try to get back into running more comfortably? Good luck working through this.
ETA: To start back Couch to 5K may be a good option so you don't do too much right away.
I know you're already with a pt, but have you been fitted by a reputable running store for a good running shoe and orthotic to address your pronation? For your existing issues, I agree that couch to 5k is an excellent way to ease back into it without overdoing. Run/walk intervals and repeating weeks as needed. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.