Knee Pain After Running: When Is It Safe To Push Through Discomfort?

Knee Pain Is A Frustration For Runners

One of the most frequent complaints among runners is knee pain. Running puts significant stress on knees, which can lead to knee pain. Some types of knee pain are treatable at home, while other types may require medical intervention.

Which runners can develop knee pain?

Knee pain affects all types of runners. A recent study of over 1000 runners showed over 25% of participants felt pain before running a race. Experienced runners are prone to overuse injuries, which can lead to knee pain. Beginner runners can develop knee pain from using muscles that are not used to running.

Everyone feels knee pain differently

Knee pain can come in many different forms. Discomfort can be achy, sharp, dull, creaky, throbbing, or zinging. Pain is very subjective, depending on the individual.

How do you rate your pain?

There are several techniques physical therapists use to rate pain. However, these scales do not always indicate whether knee pain is mild discomfort or an acute injury.

Runner’s knee is the most common reason for knee pain

Recent research has shown that approximately 16-25% of running-related injuries are due to patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), often called runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is often described as a dull ache around the kneecap.

What causes runner’s knee?

Runners’s knee is caused by muscle imbalance such as weak hips or reduced quadriceps strength, which causes the kneecap to shift out of place. Symptoms of runner’s knee are often relieved by conservative treatment.

How do I know if knee pain is a severe injury?

Most knee pain from running will go away with rest and does not affect an individual’s ability to function outside running. Some types of pain which may be a sign of more severe problems include:

• Pain that does not go away with rest.
• Pain that affects walking or sleeping.
• Pain that does not improve with home treatment.
• Pain that requires increased amounts of pain medication.

If you’re unsure about your pain, it’s time to see a doctor

Several orthopedic injuries can present with knee pain. An orthopedic doctor can pinpoint what is causing knee pain and swelling. Through physical examinations and imaging, medical professionals can determine the exact cause of the issue and rule out any structural damage to the knee.

Prevention strategies

Runners that continue to run without preparing the body for running are more likely to experience chronic knee pain and even severe injuries. To prevent knee pain, be fitted with proper running gear, such as running shoes with orthotics, and engage in strength exercises before running. For more information, speak with an orthopedic specialist.