Why Do My Knees Hurt When I Run: Top 10 Possible Causes and Treatments

Running is on the rise, and according to sports journals, over 2 million people participate in running every year. It can be the second most popular activity for people other than doing thirty minutes of exercise at a moderate intensity at least once a week. There can be many reasons why running is inclusive and does not require a moderate intensity at least once a week, so there can be a nation that loves to run, but there can be different reasons not to run. Some of these can be concerns that can relate to knee problems. To better understand the causes and potential solutions for "Why do my knees hurt when I run," continue reading this blog. 

Why Do My Knees Hurt When I Run?

 The pain in the knees and damage in the structures inside and outside of the knee can be the reasons and pain. This can be a direct result of fractures, discoloration, sprain and tears, and knee components which are susceptible to running injuries and can include-

1. Skin bone, thigh bone, and back of the kneecaps.
2. Ligaments can also rupture the whole running, so care next to be there while running. 

10 Reasons For Hurting Knees While Running

There could be several reasons for "how to prevent knee pain when running". Here are a few common causes:

1. Runners knee

• Runner's knee is the pain associated with the patella or kneecap and the most common condition for runners. 
• It can sometimes be the runner's knees problem or the association of the patella to the knee.
• Sometimes, the imbalance of the muscles can create these problems and be the end you are running. The panic can be dull, sharp, and severe and usually worsen as the intensity of exercise increases.

2. Chondromalacia patella 

• Chondromalacia patella is articular cartilage degradation. 
• It is a persistent disorder that causes the cartilage in your kneecap to soften and break down, resulting in pain and irritation. 
• Knee overuse, alignment issues, injury, or aging cause it. 
• Knock pain around the patella usually feels greater when moving up or down stairs. 
• It can be caused by sitting for prolonged periods. 

3. Patellar Tendinopathy

• Patellar tendonitis is a common knee condition caused by overuse and aging. It is the outcome of an overstressed patella tendon. 
• It is also known as a jumper's knee. Patella tendinopathy typically causes knee discomfort, stiffness, and weakness. 

Book an online appointment with the Best Patellar Tendon Avulsion Doctors in India

4. IT Band Syndrome

• IT Band Syndrome, The IT band is a tendon that links your knee to your hip. It aids in the stabilization of your knee. 
• IT band syndrome can develop due to overuse, overstrain, or biomechanical reasons. 
• Your IT band becomes uncomfortable and inflamed as it tightens. 
• The most noticeable sign is soreness on the side of your knee. 

5. ACL and PCL tear

• Overstretching of the knee's ligament results in an ACL or PCL tear. It can happen when a runner comes to a sudden stop, changes direction quickly while slowing down, lands awkwardly, or has a direct collision. 
• Around your knee, you will have pain and swelling. You may hear a popping sound and feel your knee give way from beneath you. 

6. Kneecap Bursitis

• Kneecap Bursitis Prepatellar bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap. 
• Your bursa can get irritated and enlarge, putting pressure on the areas of your knee that are close to it. It can be caused by repetitive rubbing on the area, muscle tension, or a sudden knee injury. 

7. Kneecap Dislocation 

• The groove in your knee joint where your kneecap usually slides over can be dragged to the side or completely dislocated. 
• When this happens, the supporting tissues might be strained or ripped. When you plant your foot on the ground, it can be caused by a hit or an abrupt shift in direction. 
• Your kneecap will appear out of place, and you will have knee discomfort, swelling, and a popping feeling. 

8. Tear in the Medial Meniscus 

• A meniscus tear is a tear in your knee's cartilage that causes pain inside your knee. Twisting your knee while your foot is on the ground is the most prevalent cause of a meniscus tear. 
• It can also occur as a result of direct impact in contact sports and as a result of progressive degeneration in older athletes. 

9. The Plica Syndrome 

• A plica is a fold of the soft inner lining of your knee joint that is more noticeable in some persons than others. 
• Plica syndrome develops when the lining of your knee joint becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in knee discomfort. 
• Running, for example, can irritate and create plica syndrome by constantly bending and straightening your knee. 

10. Stress Fracture of the Knee 

• A stress fracture in the knee can occur due to rapidly increasing the volume or intensity of an activity, such as jogging. 
• A knee stress fracture can also be caused by an unfamiliar surface, unsuitable equipment, and more significant physical stress. 
• You will experience knee discomfort if you have a stress fracture. 

Also Read: Understanding Sprains Vs Strains

How Do The Doctors Diagnose Knee Pain?

• The doctors can scan and check the condition of the knee like
• An X-ray or CT scan and this cna is seen when the MRI scan is to determine the cartilage or soft tissue damage.
• Knee aspiration drains off the fluid and helps diagnose knee joint diseases. In knee arthroscopy, scoots can look inside your knee using a telescope and a tiny camera to see if there is cartilage or ligament damage. Knee arthroscopy is minimally invasive, and surgery can be used to treat knee problems at all times.

Also Check: CT Scan Test Cost in India

What Are The Treatments for Knee Pain When Running?

Treatment options will be different as per the need of the hour of the knee because severe injuries will require surgery, while others can be done with the help of these tricks and techniques.

1. Rest and ice

When your knees hurt after running, you can try a few things to feel better. First, take a break from running and rest your knees. Then, you can put ice on the painful area to help reduce swelling and relieve the pain. Ice can be put in a bag and gently applied to your knees for about 15 minutes. These simple things can help your knees feel better and reduce the pain.

2. Physical therapy

a physical therapist can help you with knee pain while running. They will check your knees and give you exercises to make your knee muscles stronger. These exercises can help support your knees and make them less likely to get hurt. The therapist will also show you how to stretch your muscles to make them more flexible, which can reduce pain. By doing these exercises and stretches, you can improve your knee health and feel better when you run.

3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication

You can try using over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to help with the pain and swelling. These medicines can reduce the inflammation in your knees and make you feel better. However, talking to a healthcare professional, like a doctor or pharmacist, is very important before using them. They can tell you the right dose to take and make sure it's safe for you. Always follow their instructions and only use these medicines as directed.

4. Exercise to strengthen and stretch your muscles

Exercise can be helpful for individuals with a runner's knee. By strengthening the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps and glutes, exercise provides better support and stability to the joint, reducing pain. Balancing muscle strength and improving biomechanics through exercise can also alleviate strain on the knee. Additionally, stretching exercises improve flexibility, relieving tension in tight muscles. Low-impact cross-training activities can maintain fitness levels while minimizing stress on the knees. Consultation with a professional can ensure an appropriate exercise program tailored to individual needs.

5. Knee tape or brace

If you have a knee problem, using a special brace or taping can help you feel better. These things can provide knee support and make it feel more stable. They can also help reduce the symptoms like pain or discomfort. A brace is like a special band that goes around your knee to hold it in place. Taping is when a special tape is wrapped around your knee to give it extra support. These things can make your knee feel better and help you move without pain.

6. Red light therapy 

7. Advice for footwear

It's important to wear the right shoes to prevent knee pain when running. Ensure your footwear provides good support and cushioning for your feet and knees. This means having shoes that fit well and have proper arch support. Sometimes, a healthcare professional may recommend custom orthotics or inserts if you have specific foot or knee issues. You put These special inserts inside your shoes to provide extra support and alignment. Wearing the right shoes and using orthotics if needed can reduce knee pain and protect your knees while walking or running.

8. Surgery

Surgery may be considered in some severe cases of the runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) that don't respond to conservative treatments. During the surgery, the surgeon may perform arthroscopy to remove damaged tissue, realign the patella (kneecap), or repair any underlying structural issues causing the knee pain. Surgery aims to correct the problem and alleviate persistent symptoms.

When To Seek Trades People For Knee Pain When Caused By Running?

Most knee injuries in runners can be resolved by conservative methods such as rest, ice, and stretching. Suppose your pain is not severe but lasts for a week or more. In that case, you should seek medical advice to have your knee checked over and then get a physiotherapist for a week or more. You should seek medical advice to have a knee checked over. Your GP or a physiotherapist will offer advice about exercises and stretches to help you recover completely from the surgery.  

Conclusion

There can be different reasons for knee pain when you are running. These can be an injury to the knee, fracture, or broken patella, among others mentioned in this blog. Still, you should know that while you are working on your running and speed, you mustn't be putting enough pressure on the knee bones, and that can result in the development of pain and swelling in the knees. Consult with the doctors to understand the real reasons for developing these conditions. I hope you understand about "Why do my knees hurt when I run?" Know the symptoms of Swelling!