Common Knee Problems for Runners

The majority of runners will suffer from knee problems at some point in their lives. Knee movement constitutes more than just straightening or bending; it includes rotational movement as well. Most knee pain stems from an imbalance of the muscles in the feet and legs, which renders the knee cap's movement jerky and starts to grind away the cartilage in the knee.

  1. Runners Knee

    • Runners knee occurs when the cartilage between the knee cap and the knee joint starts to wear away. Symptoms of runners knee include inflammation, pain and a grinding noise when the knee flexes. Runners knee often results when the foot over rotates inward when the feet impact the ground. This makes the kneecap twist and move out of its natural alignment. Building up the quadriceps can help correct this problem. When treating runners knee, you must take a beak from running.

    Baker's Cyst

    • Baker's cyst consists of swelling that occurs directly behind the knee, in the junction of the lower and upper leg. Many people describe the feeling as having jello under the skin. Though uncomfortable, the cyst is a non-malignant growth that a qualified orthopedist can remove.

    Illiotibial Band Syndrome

    • This syndrome occurs by overrunning. You will experience sporadic pain on the outside of the knee. The knee does not lock and no swelling occurs. Many times, the pain only occurs when running. The problem stems from the iliotibial band: a tissue that runs from the outside of the knee to the outside of the pelvis. The band works primarily to stabilize the knee. When the band becomes too tight or short, it will rub against the knee bone and cause irritation. The band will tighten when over training. To prevent it, remember to take a break and rest. You do not have to stop running but you may want to cut back on the distance. Massage can also help.