Why do my knees hurt during and after runs?

Question

I've been running for many years off and on, but in the past few months, I've been running pretty regularly. I'm up to 4.5 miles. About three fourths of the way through my run, my knees begin to hurt. They hurt for a couple of hours after running, but then the pain and pressure goes away. Why does this happen, and how can I avoid it?

Answer 1

They hurt b/c you are just starting to run again. Your form is slowly developing so you tend to pound away at the pavement. the pressure shoots up from your legs and is absorbed by your knee. i would check the padding on your shoes to see if they've worn away b/c that is sometimes the reason for knee and shin pains. to avoid this problem try running more lightly-what i mean is try running on your toes more often and keep notice on whether you can hear your footsteps as you run, if you can that means you need to bring your feet up more and keep them light.

i hope this helps

Answer 2

Knee injuries are common in runners when they start increasing the miles suddenly. Basically, some of your leg muscles grow faster than other muscles, causing an imbalance that your body cannot handle. The best way of avoiding knee injuries is to do cross-training like going to the gym. In runners, the quads often become much stronger than the hamstrings, resulting in knee injuries. This may have been what happened with you.

Without knowing more about your knee pain, it is difficult to narrow down your exact problem. Some common injuries include Iliotibial Band Syndrome and Chondromalacia of the Patella (Runner's Knee). There are straps that you can buy in any running store that supports your knee when you run.

Regardless of what your problem is, the steps toward recovery is similar. For the time being, you should try to cut down on your miles and let your knee heal. Try icing the affected area for no more than 15 minutes at a time every 2-3 hours. Since you are able to run, it sounds like your injury is mild. During your recovery, you can feel free to run as long as you can until the pain comes back. You should immediately stop and do not run through the pain.

If your knee pain continues after about a week or so, then you may wish to consult a sports therapist or doctor to make sure that your injury is not more serious.

Good luck on getting better soon.

Answer 3

There are many reasons this could be happening.
Here are some common ones I have heard...

You are running on concrete/cement (it's prefferable to run on softer surfaces such as dirt, grass, sand, or if those aren't an option, asphalt is better than cement)

Your shoes are old, or they are simply not good shoes for you. If you have been using the same shoes for a long time, it may be time to get new ones. If you picked them out yourself, I would suggest having an "expert" at a running store assist in picking some good ones out for you.

Poor hydration, this can add to joint discomfort.

You are doing too much too fast. Maybe you are getting a little too excited and have added too many miles too quickly. Try cutting back...throw in some walking. Take a few rest days to give your knees some time to recover.

It also could be your form. Not super likely, but could be. Have an experience runner watch you run.

And the only other thing I can think of... maybe you are injured. Try doing the above things, or what you feel is appropriate, and if there are no improvements, you should see a doctor.

I hope your knees feel better soon. Running is the best, and shouldn't hurt. :)

Answer 4

Suggestions: try running on the track for a weak. The constant pounding on pavement can really be wearing on your knees.

How old are your running shoes? You might want to get knew ones.

Inserts- do you need them? You might want to see an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor to see if the way you're hitting the ground with your feet is affecting your knees. You might benefit from orthotics.

IT Band Syndrome. This will hurt on the outside of your knees mainly and will run up your quads. if you have this, try stretching a lot more. A good stretch: cross your legs, keeping them straight and bend over touching your toes. If you have your left foot in front, reach for your right toe and visa versa.

I would check with a doctor to make sure that you aren't wearing out your cartilage as well. As much as we all can try to help you, we aren't doctors and if there is a true problem, it would be best to check it out so that you can continue running! Better be safe than sorry!!!

Answer 5

I think it;s runner's knee, i had/have that, its caused by weak quads and stuff, so basically run more and more regularly to get rid of it. Plus girls can get it more b/c wide hips make it easier to get and like weird knee positioning. If it's runner's knee it will feel like s dull but mild-strong pain, make sure you run more and if you need to take a motrin an hour before running with a small meal and some water until your knee probs subside. I rarely use medicine, but i took a motrin everyday for a few days before track practice