Runner’s knee is a common injury that affects many runner’s, especially those who are just starting out or who have recently increased the intensity of their workouts.
It is a broad term that describes pain and discomfort in the knee, often around the kneecap or patella.
Lots of our patients often ask: what causes runners knee?
There are many causes of runners knee, but here I have detailed the top 5:
- Overuse: One of the most common causes of runner’s knee is simply doing too much, too soon. If you are new to running or have recently increased the intensity of your workouts, you may be putting too much strain on your knee, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Poor running form: Another common cause of runner’s knee is poor form. If you are not running with proper technique, you may be putting extra strain on your knee, which can lead to injury.
- Weakness: Weakness in the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps or hamstrings, can also contribute to runners knee. If these muscles are weak, they may not be able to support the knee properly, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Poor recovery: Not allowing enough time for recovery particularly sleep is a huge risk factor for runner’s knee. Even more so if you have a high stress lifestyle!
- Previous injury: Previous injury causing time out of running is a big risk factor for runner’s knee. For example, lots of our patients come to us with runner’s knee and when we dig deeper we find out that they have sprained their ankle a year before the pain started and this wasn’t properly rehabilitated.
If you are suffering from runner’s knee, do not despair!
Help is available at Instant Physio. Our team of experienced physiotherapists can provide you with the support and treatment you need to overcome this common injury and get back to running pain-free.
Contact us today to book an appointment and start your journey to recovery.