Jogging is a cardiovascular exercise that causes you to place impact on the ankles and knees with each ensuing step. Over time, this impact can cause knee pain to develop. Knee pain can indicate a number of conditions, from overuse that affects the ligaments and tendons to osteoarthritis. If you experience chronic knee pain as a result of jogging, seek evaluation from a physician who can recommend preventive techniques and treatment options.
Causes
Knee pain during or after a jogging session can be due to improper running form. Rolling the foot inward as you strike the ground can contribute to knee pain. Wearing unsupportive footwear or failing to warm-up properly also can contribute to jogging-related knee pain. Injuries to the knee, such as a stress fracture or meniscal tear also can contribute to pain. Inflammation and overuse injuries like knee tendinitis, inflammation of the protective fat pad on the knee or a softening of the protective cartilage of the knee -- known as runner's knee -- also can lead to pain.
Diagnosis
A physician's evaluation can lead to a diagnosis concerning the cause of your knee pain. Your physician will evaluate your knee, checking for signs of injury like knee locking or catching sounds that indicate misalignment of the kneecap. If your pain worsens when you put weight on your knee, this may be a sign of a knee injury like a stress fracture. An imaging scan also can determine signs of arthritis or misalignment in the joint. After this evaluation, your physician can make recommendations concerning treatment options.
Prevention
Preventive treatment methods for jogging-related knee pain include wearing supportive footwear. Your shoes are generally supportive for only 300 to 500 miles of jogging -- if your shoes are older than this, purchase new ones. You also can buy a special insert that adds cushion and support to your foot. You should always begin each jogging session with a 5-minute walk, then stretch your leg muscles, including the quadriceps, calves and hamstrings. Examples include pulling the knee in toward your chest and lunging to stretch your back leg. Hold each stretch for 10 to 20 seconds. Stretch after your jogging session as well.
Treatment
If your knee pain from jogging is due to an overuse injury, you must first rest the knee, allowing time for the ligaments, muscles and tendons to heal. If you wish to continue exercising, try swimming, which does not place excess strain on your knees. Icing the affected area can help you reduce inflammation and swelling. Apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to your knee and take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can relieve swelling. Do not resume jogging until your knee pain subsides to avoid injuring your knee further. However, if your pain does not subside with time, see a physician for further evaluation.
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