If both your left and right knees hurt after running and you feel or hear a popping sound in one of those knees, you've probably got runner's knee. This condition can signal overuse or overtraining, but it also affects people who don't walk or run with proper form. If you suspect you have runner's knee, you should see your physician for a complete examination and diagnosis. If he agrees that runner's knee is to blame for your knee problems, you usually can treat it at home.
Runner's Knee Basics
Runner's knee, more formally known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, involves irritation on the inside of your kneecap that occurs as you walk or run, according to Columbia University Medical Center. If your legs, hips and feet don't line up properly -- if you've got knees that face inward, for example -- you're more prone to runner's knee when you work out. A misaligned kneecap, weaker thigh muscles or even an extra-tight Achilles tendon also can lead to runner's knee, because all the muscles and tendons in your legs need to work in concert when you run.
Symptoms
The knee "popping" you experience during and after running represents a major sign of runner's knee, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. You also may feel grinding or even hear clicking that seems to come from directly behind your kneecap. If you have runner's knee, the pain you feel will be centered directly around that kneecap, and the knee itself may be tender to the touch or even swollen.
Diagnosis
Because runner's knee symptoms can mimic many other conditions that cause knee pain, you should have your physician look at your knees while you're explaining your symptoms. Your doctor will need to rule out tendon damage, bursitis and stress fractures as potential causes of your knee pain in order to diagnose you with runner's knee. Your doctor may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis, although it's possible that your symptoms will be specific enough to determine the cause of your pain.
Treatment
You should be able to treat your runner's knee at home. When you experience pain, use cold packs to soothe your aching knee, and elevate your legs as much as possible. If your physician recommends it, you can take an anti-inflammatory pain pill such as ibuprofen. In addition, specific stretching exercises, muscle-building exercises and even orthotic innersoles in your running shoes can help you ward off future bouts of runner's knee. Once your knee has healed and you return to running, a Neoprene brace for your knee might help prevent further problems by supporting the joint.
