My knee hurts: should I stop running?
When should you take knee pain seriously as a runner?
Knees are prone to pain — but how can you tell whether it’s a temporary discomfort or something that needs attention to avoid long-term damage?
As a runner, be it a novice or more experienced, it is not uncommon that you might experience some pain, aches and soreness during or after an intense running session. Symptoms at the knee joint are most common as the knee is bent and straightened repeatedly in running. But how do you differentiate between temporary discomfort and a potentially disastrous injury with serious long-term consequences?
Some people follow the ‘no pain, no gain’ theory of training which can be problematic when it comes to injuries. Many runners run either too long or too fast or do not take the time to recover after a run. In some cases, resting and stopping running for a while might be just the best decision to protect your joints. Sometimes seeking medical attention is required if symptoms persist for a longer time.
Learning how to recognise the signs can help you prevent injuries. As a rule, if something hurts so badly that you can’t walk or move properly, avoid running on it.
RUNNER’S KNEE
Symptoms: Dull ache under the kneecap
What it is: Condition in which the knee cap doesn’t move properly across the bones it rests on, frequently as a result of muscle imbalance; most common among runners; an overuse rather than traumatic injury.
Action: you can try to run on the opposite side of the road but same direction; use a softer running surface; try replacing your trainers; if it persists, consult a physiotherapist
ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME
Symptoms: Pain around the knee on the outside of the leg and coming on slowly with each stride
What it is: Condition in which the long fibrous tissue that extends from the hip along the upper leg side and stabilises the knee (iliotibial band) becomes inflamed
Action: you should cease running and stretch the area i.e. with foam roller; then strengthen the weak muscles; if it persists, seek medical advice
PATELLAR TENDON STRAIN
Symptoms: Pain just below the kneecap
What it is: Common injury of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone
Action: you should cease running and apply RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression and elevation); if it persists, seek medical advice