Four types of knee pain that runners should watch out for

torn meniscus physical therapy

You straighten your knee and push off from the ground, and then your knee bends again as your foot strikes the ground. These two movements happen over and over every time you go running. 

Unfortunately, runners can also develop many different types of knee injuries that can cause them pain. One study reveals that almost 40% of the athletic injuries it recorded were to the knee. Physical therapists can help runners learn about the types of knee pain that they could develop. Also, these medical professionals can help runners find effective treatment for their knee pain. 

Runners should watch out for these four types of knee pain

The knee injuries that runners can experience can lead to pain in different areas of the knee. Some types of knee pain that runners should be on the lookout for include: 

  1. Anterior knee pain — This is pain that you feel at the front of your knee. In runners, it’s often triggered by an issue called patellofemoral pain syndrome. This condition is also called runner’s knee. It occurs when you develop a problem in the kneecap or the soft tissue that surrounds it.
  1. Posterior knee pain — Runners can also feel pain behind their knees, which is called posterior knee pain. There are many ways that runners can develop pain in this area. A hamstring tendon injury is one common cause of posterior knee pain. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries can also trigger pain at the back of your knee. 
  1. Lateral knee pain — What you call pain on the outside of your knee, medical professionals call lateral knee pain. Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome is a common source of lateral knee pain in runners. An injury to your lateral collateral ligament (LCL) may also be responsible for this pain. A tear in the lateral meniscus is another issue that can lead to lateral knee pain. 
  1. Medial knee pain — Runners who have felt pain on the inside of their knee have felt medial knee pain. This pain can develop as the result of several running-related injuries. One of these is pes anserine bursitis. Another of these injuries is a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain or tear. In addition, a tear in the medial meniscus can cause inner knee pain. 

Whatcom PT offers treatment options for each of these types of knee pain

Stricken with one of these four types of knee pain? Our physical therapists at Whatcom Physical Therapy are primed to help you find the most effective treatment for your pain. We’ll start by doing a free screening of your knee. This helps us determine what is causing your pain. 

Next, our team will create a customized therapy plan for you that’s designed to reduce your pain and prevent it from returning. Even better, you can address your pain from home thanks to our virtual therapy service. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can help treat your knee pain or to schedule your initial appointment.