Many runners experience knee pain at some point. For runners, knee pain can be caused by everything from poor running attire to physical fitness.
It is important to address knee pain in order to diagnose and prevent injury and get back to running as quickly as possible.
Sometimes knee pain may not be caused by an injury. For example, a common diagnosis for this pain is something called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
PFPS is characterized by knee pain itself, and does not involve any actual injury – little is known about what causes knee pain associated with PFPS. There is some consensus that the most common cause of PFPS is a genu valgum, or “knock knee.”
Knock knee is linked to weakness in the hip musculature. When running, the muscles of the hip are supposed to help to keep the knee in alignment. A weak core, including weak hip musculature, can contribute to knock knees and knee pain.
Getting help for knee pain
There are also a number of ways runners reduce knee pain themselves, including:
- Rest the knee and avoid running or even walking much for a few days
- Elevate your knee whenever you’re sitting or lying down
- Practice stretching and strengthening exercises
In the case of PFPS, hip strengthening exercises are a key way to reduce knee pain as a result of running.
However, if you are serious about running and if you want to avoid serious, chronic injury, it’s always a good idea to get help from a healthcare practitioner.
Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are two disciplines that help speed recovery from knee pain and get you back to running more quickly.
Contact us for more information and help.
