Dealing with Knee Pain as a Passionate Runner
As I train for another marathon, a runner's guide to knee pain, the red flags, athletic injuries, and the many other causes.
Fall is in full swing and the NYC marathon is near, watching those courageous participants always gives me goosebumps, and I'll be running again this year, aiming for a faster time while protecting my joints and running with a peaceful mindset. As I've restarted my routine, I've noticed some aches and pains. After thirty years of running and aerobic exercise, I've had my share of knee pain. It can stem from a simple runner's injury, or something more serious, so we need to pay attention to our bodies.
Seek medical attention when you have significant swelling or a fever with knee pain, when your knee cannot support your weight, when it locks up and won't relax, or when knee pain causes you to fall. Share the details of your pain so your doctor can complete a thorough evaluation.
Common athletic causes include chondromalacia patellae (patellofemoral syndrome), pain around the kneecap with stairs, squatting, kneeling, or standing after sitting; ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL tears) in younger athletes; meniscal tears, with reduced movement or a 'popping' or 'clicking'; patellar tendonitis ('jumper's knee') from repetitive jumping in basketball, running, soccer, and volleyball; and iliotibial (IT) band syndrome, pain on the outside of the knee and hip in runners and cyclists. Post-injury or post-trauma arthritis can also cause knee pain from cartilage damage, ligament tears, or fractures.
There are non-athletic causes too: prepatellar bursitis (from prolonged kneeling), Baker's (popliteal) cyst behind the knee, which can signal osteoarthritis, RA, or a meniscal tear, osteoarthritis ('wear and tear'), rheumatoid arthritis, gout (from elevated uric acid, sometimes worsened by red meat, shellfish, and beer, try a veggie burger, quinoa salad, or cucumber water instead), and pseudogout (calcium crystal buildup, seen in women in their mid-forties to sixties).
Your physician should also consider infection (septic arthritis) or a neurologic condition when the common causes don't fit. Athletic injuries are inevitable, but always stretch and check with your doctor about whether a sport suits your health history and ability. Keep those knees strong and fit!
Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD