Running on a treadmill places a large amount of stress on your knee joints. Over time, this stress can lead to repetitive use injuries of the knee. Running places repeated impact on your knees, which can lead to injury or inflammation of the tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and tissues that comprise your knees. One common cause of knee pain in runners is a condition called patellofemoral pain, or runner's knee. If suspect you have a knee injury related to treadmill use, consult your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Runner's Knee
Runner's knee, or patellofemoral pain, is caused as the result of placing heavy amounts of stress on your knees -- including through the use of a treadmill. Patellofemoral pain refers to pain around the front portion of your knee cap.
Symptoms
You are likely to experience a dully, aching pain around the front portion of your knee. Pain tends to be localized toward the top portion of your kneecap where it connects to your thigh bone. You are likely to experience more pain while using your treadmill than while at rest if you are experiencing runner's knee. Pain may also occur while walking, kneeling, squatting or sitting with your knee in a bent position for extended periods of time.
Causes of Knee Pain
The knee is one of the largest joints in your body as well as one of the post complex joints. As a result, there are a wide variety of reasons why you may experience knee pain while using your treadmill. Pain can occur as the result of an injury such as a sprain, tear, dislocation or fracture. Pain can also be related to poor alignment of the kneecap, flat feet or tightness in your thigh muscles. You may also experience pain as the result of inadequate stretching prior to using your treadmill.
Home Care
When experiencing knee pain, rest and avoid using your treadmill until pain subsides. Elevate your knee above your heart and apply ice for 15 minutes at a time at least four times each day. You can also wrap your knee with an elastic bandage to help reduce any swelling that may occur. Take an over-the-counter pain medication for pain relief. Sleeping with a pillow between your knees can also help to alleviate your pain as you sleep.
When to See a Doctor
If you have engaged in home treatment for three days and have not seen any relief of your symptoms, contact your physician. Moreover, contact your physician if you are unable to bear weight, are in severe pain even while resting, notice that your knee looks deformed or if your knee buckles or clicks. Also contact your doctor if you have a fever and notice redness and warmth around your knee. Those with numbness or tingling should also consult their doctors.
Prevention
You can prevent knee pain while using your treadmill. Always warm-up, stretch and cool down prior to exercising. Pay special attention to your hamstrings and quadriceps while stretching. If you are new to using a treadmill, avoid over-training. Increase your activity level over time. Pay close attention to your footwear. Never run on a treadmill if your shoes are worn out or damaged. If you are unsure about what type of sneaker you should be wearing, visit a store that specializes in running shoes. The sales clerks will be able to provide you with advice on the types of shoes that fit your foot shape and mechanics.
