Tendinitis is one of the most common running injuries. It can be a painful condition, and if not treated properly, it can become chronic. Tendinitis in runners can occur in the foot, the Achilles' tendon or the knee. Recovery times can vary, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many are able to successfully return to running.
Features
The knee contains multiple tendons, including the patellar, quadriceps and hamstring tendons. Knee tendinitis describes the inflammation, swelling and irritation of these tendons. The condition is commonly found in middle-aged runners and presents with pain, tenderness and joint stiffness. The most common area for tendinitis is in the patellar area. Sports involving repeated strain on the knees or activity on uneven surfaces can promote knee tendinitis; running is one of those.
Prevention
Warming up properly -- at least five to 10 minutes -- before running can help prepare your muscles, joints and tendons for exercise. Stretching helps keep tendons elastic and can increase flexibility, and should be performed before and after a workout. Strength training can help prevent tendinitis in the knee; in addition to building leg muscle strength, it strengthens the tendons around the knee. The right running shoe for your foot type can help stabilize the foot and knee and provide cushioning, and wearing a knee brace or strapping the knee can help stabilize the tendons. Strapping and bracing should only be done during recovery so the knee can become strong.
Treatment
Runners may need to stop running completely while knee tendinitis is healing, says Runner's Rescue. Treatment for tendinitis can usually be described by the acronym RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Resting the knee and keeping the knee iced can help minimize swelling and inflammation and can promote blood flow. Compression while icing is recommended to aid healing, and the knee and leg should be elevated. Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling. Once symptoms are alleviated, gradual reentry into physical activity is suggested, stopping if any pain occurs. If simple RICE treatment does not provide relief, a physician may prescribe cortisone shots or surgery. A physical therapist can help provide exercises to regain range of movement and strength in the knee.
Warning
Runners who drastically increase mileage or speed work are at risk of developing tendinitis, which is usually a result of overuse; slowly increasing distance and speed workouts may reduce the risk. If you have pain in your knee before, during or after running, see a physician or health care professional specializing in sports medicine to get an accurate diagnosis. Self-treating without a clear idea of what the problem is can lead to further injury and delays in healing.
