Knee pain and injury is a common affliction in runners and can stem from several causes, including overuse and, possibly, a systemic disorder such as arthritis. Iliotibial Band Syndrome is one of the the most common problems to cause lateral knee pain, followed by tears or damage to the ligaments or meniscus of the knee. Seek medical attention immediately if the pain is accompanied by swelling, inflammation or if the the pain is extreme.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome, or ITBS, is usually classified as an injury resulting from overuse that affects the outer part of the thigh, according to the National Council on Strength and Fitness. The iliotibial band runs along the lateral side of the leg, from the hip to the lateral aspect of the knee. The pain usually occurs around the knee area and is caused by friction of the ilitiobial band rubbing over the lateral femoral epicondyle -- one of the bones in the area of the knee. The pain is usually worse when the knee is flexed at a 30-degree angle, and the pain can be accompanied by pain in the hip area, swelling and tenderness of the knee or a clicking sensation in the knee. Tightness of the iliotibial band is also common.
Lateral Meniscus Tear
The meniscus are essentially small pads attached to the bones of the knee. They are made of rubber-like cartilage and serve to act as a cushion for the knee as well as offer stabilization. The lateral meniscus resides on the outer portion of the knee. With regard to sports, such as running, tears of the meniscus usually happen suddenly, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Tears are graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with 3 being the most severe. The pain from the tear can be severe, and swelling of the knee often occurs after 24 hours. The pain can be worse when bending or twisting the knee and, in some cases, pieces of the meniscus can come loose, causing the knee to lock, preventing flexion.
Lateral Cruciate Ligament Tear
Another common cause of pain in the knee from running is a tearing of the ligament that attaches the bones of the fibula and femur -- two bones that articulate the knee laterally. The tear can be partial or can be a total severing of the ligament. Pain is usually accompanied by swelling of the knee, locking of the knee with movement, tenderness along the lateral edge of the knee and weakness of the knee. It often feels like the knee is going to collapse if pressure is put on it, such as when standing.
Considerations
Consult a doctor if you experience severe or chronic knee pain or suspect injury. Following the RICE protocol -- resting the knee, icing it, compressing it with a bandage and elevating it -- can help until you see a physician. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, may relieve some of the pain. A doctor will most likely do an x-ray or MRI to determine if there is any damage if injury is suspected. It is also possible that an underlying disorder, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, is causing the pain. A doctor may run tests to determine if that is the case.
References
- National Council on Strength & Fitness: Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Medial and Lateral Meniscus Tears
- National Institutes of Health: Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury
- American Family Physician; Iliotibial Band Syndrome -- A Common Source of Knee Pain; Dr. Razib Khaund, et. al.; April 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Knee Pain; September 2010
