Is knee pain stopping you from running?
Knee pain during running is a common presentation whether you are an experienced runner or just starting running. One of the main contributing factors to knee pain can come from the joint behind the knee cap known as the patella-femoral joint. We see this all the time in the clinic in the elite and novice running groups and trust me it is a very annoying injury to get on top of.
The Depots 6 Common causes of Runners Knee:
- Big increases in running distances over a short period of time
– Did you add in a speed session?
– Whats your average weekly kilometres look like and has this increased rapidly?
– Are you running more hills and stairs lately? - Non optimal running mechanics and technique
– Technique can predetermine your injury rate.
– One BIG thing is stride length & cadence (How many steps you take each minute).
– This number gives us an idea whether you are over-striding which puts a lot more load through your hips, knees and feet. - Footwear
– Have you changed footwear recently?
– Changing the support levels or running in old shoes can predispose you to a higher injury rate. - Lower limb strength imbalances
– The legs are your engine when you run.
– Strong calf complex, hamstring, quads, glutes and core are essential to pain free running.
– We always advocate for a supplementary strength plan to accompany your running. - Poor recovery, sleep and nutrition
– Are you feeling tired, not great when you run or always injured?
– Quality sleep, good recovery methods and good food help restore tissue and help reduce injury rates.
Knee pain with running sucks and can sideline you from your running goals!
We have the tools to tailor a program to keep you running and return to your full potential!
Get in touch today if you need some help – Click to Book Here 🙂
Written by Megan Tomkins – The Physio Depot
