Knee pain is common among runners. A long list of causes includes sudden increases in your training regimen, the mechanics of your feet and the shoes you choose to wear. Superficial knee pain can generally be treated on your own. Injuries involving tendons or ligaments may necessitate a visit to your doctor. The ability to recognize the most common knee injuries may mean less time on the couch and a quicker return to the trail.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Commonly known as runner's knee or PFPS, patellofemoral pain syndrome is regularly listed among runner's knee ailments. If you run regularly, you are most susceptible to runner's knee. The onset of PFPS is progressive and often first appears in the form of pain on the front or sides of the kneecap. Symptoms can also include slight buckling of the knee or a grinding feeling behind the knee. Causes are not always the same but common reasons are a kneecap that is not tracking properly or is not in proper alignment due to over-pronation as well as quadriceps and hamstrings that are too tight or weak.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury problem among long distance, over-pronating and bowlegged runners. The onset of ITBS usually occurs after a run in the form of a burning, stabbing pain along the outer knee. Swelling is rare, range of motion remains more or less normal and the pain may fade with a break from running. This injury is caused when the iliotibial band, a ligament connecting from the outer tibia up to the pelvic bone, becomes unusually tight and causes friction along the outside of the femur.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is another common knee injury found among runners. If you suddenly increase your training pace, mileage or run hills often, especially downhill, you are more susceptible to patellar tendinitis. The onset of this injury often involves pain and swelling due to inflammation of one of three tendons of the knee. This injury can affect one or both knees. The patellar tendons attach to the tibia and run upward, connecting to the quadriceps. Causes involve a deterioration of tendon tissue that is not given enough time for renewed growth.
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