sore knees

Question
I am 51 and just started swimming lessons. My knees are so sore afterwards I can hardly walk. I feel a click when I kick. Im wondering, Im so hell bent on keeping them straight am I overcompensating? Should I relax more ? Do i need to warm up in the pool or out of the pool? How can I avoid this injury ? Or will I get used to it the more I do it ?

Answer
HHello,

I am not sure why you should be getting this soreness and clicking, as it should not happen, unless it happens when you run or walk up stairs ( then there is a problem with your knees already).

When kicking you should have a slight bend in the knee and should not have a completely stiff leg. You get your power from the hips, and the knees bend a bit and then the feet bend the most as they have to undulate up and down like a dolphin tail to get forward propulsion.

If you are having lessons, I would ask your teacher/trainer if your legs are too stiff and tell them of your symptoms.

The teacher/trainer should see if you are keeping your kegs too tight when kicking.

Thanks.