Bad Knees and Running

[sutton_blue]

Hi All,
I'm looking for a bit of advice on what sort of expert I should go and see if I have bad knees and want to start running again. I already attend a gym and do a mixture of rowing, cycling and using an elliptical trainer but also fancy adding running outside to this.
Probably looking for someone who can:-
1. diagnose what's wrong with my knees.
2. what I can do to make my knees better, exercises etc.
3. sort out my running style.
4. recommend type/make of running shoe.
5. be honest and tell me, with my knees not to take up running.

I live in Sutton, Surrey.

Thanks in anticipation of any advice.

[Citroen]

You could start by asking the gym management team for advice. That's what they're there for.

[T_M]

I don't know what access issues or protocols you have to follow in GB...my friends in Canada talk about months long wait time to get MRIs etc. An orthopedic physician will be able to give you superficial advice about the structural integrity of your knee with a manual exam, but will want xrays to confirm and should order an MRI to see if there is any soft tissue issues/inflammation. Assuming your knees are relatively healthy, any experienced runner will tell you that shoes are the most important factor in comfort. Running outside beats the hell out of indoor treadmill running (unless of course you prefer to watch tv or look at the eye candy in the gym), but if you're a relatively big guy and into your middle age or beyond, running on pavement or other hard surface (versus a cushioned treadmill deck) will test your patience and motivation. At 6'3, 218 and (soon to be) 53, I will feel the effects of a 3 to 5 mile run on pavement in my feet and knees for the better part of a week. But I can do multiple short (1 to 2 mile) runs on a cushioned treadmill during the week and still be good for some squats, cleans and deadlifts...and of course, erging.