Runner's knee? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Jogaholic · 08-19-2004, 01:10 PM

This is my 4th year of cross country and I've experienced my share of injuries and pains, but this year my knees have been bothering me. It's usually just if I run for over 40-60 minutes, and it's below my knee caps. I take tylenol and ice them at home if it's too bad, but does anyone have any other suggestions for me? I just got new shoes a week ago, but that's not the problem because my knees have been doing this all summer off and on. I thought maybe it's because my form gets sloppy when I get tired after 40 minutes, but I try to focus on that at the same time...?

GracyMay · 08-22-2004, 01:42 PM

I have read about this type of running injury and with repeat stress on the knee causes inflammation and a gradual softening of the cartilage under the kneecap. The most common cause of 'runner's knee' is overpronation, which rotates the lower leg inwards and causes the kneecap to move in a abnormal side to side motion instead of gliding back and forth. Muscle imbalances and repeat trauma is also a factor.

With the treatment that you have been giving yourself is good for the short term, perhaps consider physiotherapy for the long term benefits to at least determine if it is runner’s knee or assess what other causes might be contributing to the pain in your knees.