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Knee Pain in Runners: Causes and Treatments

As the weather warms up, more people are taking their running routines outdoors. Whether
you’re an experienced runner or just getting started, it’s important to be aware of the common
injuries that can occur, especially when running on hard surfaces or after months of less activity.
One of the most common issues runners face is knee pain, and the trusted Orthopedic
Specialists at Performance OSM can help you understand common causes and when to seek
treatment so you can keep running pain-free.

Common Causes of Running Knee Pain

Knee pain is a frequent complaint among runners, and it can stem from a variety of factors. The most common conditions include:

  • Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): Pain around or behind the kneecap, often caused by overuse, poor running form, or muscle imbalances.
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): The IT band, a ligament running along the outside of the thigh, can become tight and irritated, leading to pain in the outer knee.
  • Patellar Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, often caused by repetitive stress.

Running Knee Pain Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing running knee pain, it’s important to address it early to avoid more severe
issues down the road. Running knee pain treatment options include:

  1. Rest and Ice: Giving your knees time to heal and using ice to reduce inflammation can be
    the first step in managing pain.
  2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around your
    knee, improving your running form and reducing strain on the joint.
  3. Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help correct alignment issues, especially if your knee
    pain is due to flat feet or improper running mechanics.
  4. Orthopedic Specialist Consultation: If pain persists, the orthopedic specialists at
    Performance OSM can evaluate the issue, recommend imaging tests, and provide more
    advanced treatment options when appropriate. These may include corticosteroid
    injections, biologics therapies, or other minimally invasive procedures.

Your sports medicine experts at POSM want to help you stay active and injury-free by
preventing and managing knee pain. By following proper running techniques, warming up, and
seeking running knee pain treatment when needed, you can enjoy the benefits of outdoor
running all season long.

Wonderful Client Feedback

Dr. Diehl always listens and takes the most conservative approach for the injury rather than surgery first. He’s taken care of several of my sprains & falls. Highly recommend.

-Cynthia

I really like Dr. Maurer. He is so down-to-earth and honest. I’ve learned to trust his advice and guidance because he cares about his patients.

-Russ

Scheduling was quick, office staff was friendly and efficient and nurse and x-ray tech were friendly and thorough. Dr. Lessner was prompt and friendly. He made us feel comfortable and explained everything clearly and thoroughly.

-Clarissa

This has been one of the best medical care experiences I’ve had, from our initial consultation to post-op visits to physical therapy. Dr. Diehl and his team are a very caring, friendly, and professional group. I had a left knee injury (meniscus and ACL tears). Thank you!!

-Mark

Very impressed with Dr. Lessner. Very thorough and listened to me. He gave me multiple treatment options and involved me in the decision making. Highly recommend!

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