Runners’ Knees

Running is certainly a solid form of exercise for most people, but injuries are always a possibility considering the toll on a runner’s joints (particularly the knee). Whether you’re an experienced marathoner or you run for exercise and log fewer miles, knee pain can strike at any time.

The following are common injuries sports medicine doctors see associated with runners:

“Runner’s Knee”

Chondromalacia of the patella (kneecap), or runner’s knee, occurs when a person’s kneecap does not track properly, causing pain and cracking or popping noises. As a result, the cartilage underneath the knee cap becomes inflamed, and can eventually soften and deteriorate.

One cause could be overpronation, which refers to a person’s foot rolling excessively inward while running, which pushes the kneecap to the outside. One possible solution is orthotic devices to correct abnormal foot mechanics.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Runners often experience outside knee pain caused by iliotibial band syndrome. The iliotibial is a band of tissue that runs from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserts just below the knee.

The band helps stabilize the knee and rotate the leg inward from step to step while running, but a tight band can repeatedly rub on the femur and cause pain and swelling.

To avoid this injury: Run on flat surfaces and avoid banked surfaces, which can cause the iliotibial band to stretch too tightly over the femur, stretch your legs daily and before you run to increase flexibility, and decrease your mileage to reduce stress on the band (the number of miles you run too quickly can aggravate the iliotibial band).

Meniscal Injuries

Tears to the menisci (cartilage that act as shock absorbers) can cause pain and disability, and can result from twisting movements or degeneration of the cartilage, especially among the older population.

R.I.C.E and conservative treatment methods are effective for treating minor tears, but more severe tears often require surgery. Arthroscopic surgery allows physicians to use a less invasive approach to removing torn meniscus and repairing the cartilage.

Patellar Tendonitis

Stress and strain from high-intensity activity can cause inflammation of this tendon, resulting in tendonitis.

Patellar tendonitis is often called “jumper’s knee” because it is common among sports that require jumping and kicking activities, like basketball and soccer. But runners, too, are susceptible. Pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness below the kneecap are all characteristics of patellar tendonitis.

Like other knee injuries, strengthening your leg muscles can help you avoid patellar tendonitis.

For pain and injuries related to running, contact Southern California Orthopedic Institute at (877) 952-8484.

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