Common Running injuries
Running knee injuries are relatively common among runners and can result from various factors, including overuse, biomechanical issues, improper training techniques, and other underlying factors. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may require different approaches to treatment and recovery. Here are some of the most common running-related knee injuries:
Runner’s Knee
Also known as Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), characterized by pain around and behind the knee cap. It is usually caused due to overuse, imbalance in the muscle groups and poor running mechanics causing improper tracking of the patella leading to irritation and pain in the knee while running, knee bending activities, squats or climbing stairs.
Symptoms
Pain
Stiffness
Grating sounds also known as crepitus
Swelling : sometimes around the knee joint.
Treatment
Rest or reducing the pain causing activity to allow the area to heal.
Ice application helps in reducing the inflammation.
Physiotherapy treatment to correct the muscular imbalance and mechanics of running.
Correction of other factors like footwear, running surface , corrective orthotics etc.
Gradual return to activity.
Iliotibial pain syndrome (ITBS)
IT band pain syndrome is a common overuse injury in runners or athletes. Pain area is the outer part of the knee and if left untreated can get worsen.
Causes
ITBS is often caused by repetitive friction and overuse of the iliotibial band as it rubs against the thigh bone during activities that involve repetitive knee bending and straightening, such as running, cycling, or hiking.
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain while doing activities like running , walking , going up or down hill etc. Pain can range from mild to severe depending on the activity and chronicity of the problem. Sometimes it can be accompanied by swelling.
Treatment
Rest: Taking a break from the activities that exacerbate the pain.
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the hip and leg muscles can help alleviate ITBS.
Footwear and running form analysis, ensuring proper footwear and addressing any gait abnormalities can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Patellar tendinitis (Jumper’s knee)
It is the common overuse injury of the patellar tendon which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. This condition is commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports involving more jumping or sudden change of movements.
Causes
Patellar tendinitis is typically caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, which can lead to small tears and inflammation. Factors contributing to this condition include overuse, improper training techniques, sudden increase in training intensity or frequency, and biomechanical issues like poor knee alignment or muscle imbalances.
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness are the main symptoms with swelling just below the knee cap. Pain is more pronounced during activities.
Treatment
Rest : Reducing or modifying pain increasing activities will help in faster healing.
Ice : Cold application helps in reducing pain and swelling by reducing the inflammation.
Physiotherapy : Correction of the muscular imbalance will help in correction of the mechanics of the knee. Flexibility and strengthening of the desired group of muscles is important to stop the recurrence of the problem.
Medications : Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to control the problem.
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