A burning sensation in your knee after working out usually indicates an overuse injury. Iliotibal band syndrome, patellar tendinitis and bursitis can all cause a burning sensation in your knees during and after working out. These are treatable conditions, so consult with your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Identification
For iliotibal band syndrome --- commonly abbreviated IBS --- you may notice the burning sensation is most prominent in the lower portion of your kneecap and may radiate along the outside of your thigh to your hip. You might only notice the pain while doing high-intensity aerobic activity, such as running, but as the syndrome progresses the pain will be present while walking, according to the River City Running Club website. Patellar tendinitis may have tightness and some swelling; some patients report a "squeaking" sensation. Bursitis will be tender if you press on the knee joint and it will ache when you bend and extend your knee.
Cause
The iliotibal band is a fibrous tissue that runs from your hip bone to the bottom of your knee. This band of tissue becomes so tight from overuse that it rubs on the outer portion of your femur, which causes the burning sensation. If you're a runner, you're most susceptible to this injury if you have a leg length discrepancy, excessive foot pronation or are bow-legged. Using incorrect form while working out and running on a rigid surface can also increase your risk of iliotibial band syndrome and patellar tendinitis. Patellar tendinitis is an overuse injury that's caused by one or more of the tendons that connect the quads to the shin bone becoming inflamed. Bursitis is caused when the bursa, small sacs of fluid that help reduce friction on the knee, become inflamed. Bursitis can be caused by overuse, an infection, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, the PubMed Health website notes.
Treatment
Knee injuries are initially treated by resting the knee, icing the sore area, compressing the injury and elevating your leg above heart level. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to relieve pain of the knee joints. If bursitis is causing the pain, a doctor may draw out fluids from the bursa and inject corticosteroids. An over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can relieve knee pain in most cases, but if your pain is severe, a doctor may give you prescription-strength painkillers. Non-weight-bearing resistance exercise for the muscles surrounding the knee can promote healing of knee problems. The pain from patellar tendinitis can also be treated with ultrasounds and electric muscle stimulation. Surgery is only necessary for severe and persistent knee pain from these conditions.
Prevention
A regular strengthening and stretching regimen is needed for the muscles surrounding your knee. Strong muscles will help support your knee while working out so the area will be less prone to future problems. Increasing the flexibility of the muscles, ligaments and tendons of your knee will also reduce your risk of an overuse injury. While strengthening and stretching your leg muscles, pay special attention to your quadriceps and hamstrings. To avoid iliotibal band syndrome, stretch your hip flexors, lateral thigh and inner thigh.
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