A 2007 study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine” reports that the knee is the most commonly injured joint in runners. When your knee locks up during running, it often indicates either damage to your knee’s cartilage or a muscle spasm. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce your symptoms. However, if you have cartilage damage, surgery may be necessary to prevent symptoms from reoccurring. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Causes
Between the bones that make up your knee joint is cartilage, called meniscus, and it is a shock absorber and helps your knee move fluidly. When this cartilage tears, it does not provide a smooth surface between these bones anymore, therefore causing catching or locking of your knee. With arthritis or wearing away of this cartilage, you can have a similar affect; a rough surface between your knee bones that is susceptible to catching, grinding and locking. A muscle strain and muscle spasm can lead to uncoordinated knee movements, thus resulting in the locking of your knee during running, too.
Risk Factors
Your age, weight and family history play a role in your chances of developing knee arthritis. A previous knee injury, joint instability, over-training and poor running technique, such as toe running, can also increase your risk of knee injuries and arthritis. Individuals with knee hyper mobility are at a higher risk of sustaining a knee injury and developing arthritis, too, according to a 2006 research article published in “The Journal of The American Osteopathic Association.”
Additional Symptoms
When your knee locks or shortly thereafter, you may experience pain that ranges from a mild ache to a sharp stabbing sensation. A meniscus tear, arthritis and muscle strain can also cause swelling, joint stiffness and muscle weakness. A muscle spasm can cause muscle weakness, too. Other symptoms you may experience include tight muscles, point tenderness over the affected area and bruising.
Treatment
Stop running immediately, ice your knee or thigh muscle and take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen. Elevate your affected leg and wear a compression wrap if you notice any visible swelling of your knee or thigh. Additional measures your doctor may recommend include wearing a knee brace, placing orthotics into your shoes and going to physical therapy. If you have a meniscus tear or severe arthritis, surgery may be necessary to prevent symptoms from reoccurring.
Prevention
To avoid knee injuries and locking of your knee, maintain a healthy weight, stretch before and after running, and increase your mileage no more than 10 percent a week. Include leg exercises, such as squats and single-leg balance, into your workout routine to maintain knee strength and stability. To improve your running technique, consult your coach or personal trainer. Stride-length, arm swings and posture are common areas for improvement in runners.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Meniscal Tears; February 2009
- “The American Journal of Managed Care; Early Management of Osteoarthritis; Roy Davis Altman, M.D.; March 2010
- “Journal of Athletic Training”; The Meniscus: Review of Basic Principles With Application to Surgery and Rehabilitation; Timothy Brindle, et al.; 2001
- “The Journal of The American Osteopathic Association”; Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Management; Michael R. Simpson, D.O.; September 2006
- “British Journal of Sports Medicine”; Incidence and Determinants of Lower Extremity Running Injuries in Long Distance Runners: A Systematic Review; R. N. Van Gent, et al.; 2007
- “Current Sports Medicine Report”; Muscle Cramps During Exercise-Is It Fatigue or Electrolyte Deficit; Michael F. Bergeron; 2008
