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![]() Knee Pain When Running or WalkingIn This Article
Are you experiencing knee pain when walking or running? Here are several possible causes of knee pain and their treatments.
No matter your health, your fitness level, your race, or your gender, at some point or another it is very likely that you will experience knee pain. When you experience knee pain when walking or knee pain when running, the pain itself can be worrisome. Your knees are constantly moving and experiencing pressure from your body weight, so when your knee pain appears to be making it more difficult to run or walk, it's easy to worry that something may be seriously wrong with your knees. General Knee Pain and Physical ActivityBefore you concern yourself too much with your knee pain, it's important to remember that knee joints need time to heal like all other tissues in your body. If you are running – or even walking – regularly, your knee joints may simply need a break. It's important not to ignore this pain and continue to run, especially if you have yet to consult a doctor. Sometimes knee pain is nothing more than your body telling you that it needs a rest. Listen to your body if you've been exercising too often, and give your joints time to heal. General Causes of Knee Pain When RunningWhile running is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it does put a great deal of pressure on your knee joints. Each step pushes your bodyweight into your knees at a considerable force, all while your knees move your legs with each step. That pressure can create small tears or lead to irritation that causes swelling. Long-term runners may find that they suffer from overuse injuries as well, which include bursitis and tendinitis. Because of the amount of force that is exerted on the knee, injury can also be a problem. One misstep and all of your body weight forces the knee joints into a position it wasn't meant to twist. This can lead to some serious injuries including a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), or the meniscus. It's also possible to sprain the ligaments in your knee. Most sprains will heal on their own, but some sprains (Grade II sprains and Grade III sprains) may require surgery or physical therapy. General Causes of Knee Pain When WalkingIt's less common to experience significant knee pain when walking. Previous injury, including sprains and tears, may cause knee pain while walking. It's also possible to overwork the knee, either through repetitive motion or exercise. This can cause inflammation that may show up when you're walking and putting pressure on your knees. Also, if you slept with your legs twisted in an uncomfortable position, you may also experience some knee pain while walking. Chronic Conditions That Cause Knee Pain While Walking or RunningMild knee pain can affect nearly anyone at any time. But when the knee pain is not caused by an injury and doesn't seem to go away on its own, it may be due to a long-term condition. That condition is likely to be some form of arthritis – particularly osteoarthritis. Arthritis affects as many as 50,000,000 Americans according to the National Health Interview Survey, and it's estimated that half of all Americans will experience some form of arthritis by their 80's. Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation in specific joints – especially joints that are consistently mobile, and may have received age-related damage over time. That inflammation leads to joint pain (in this case, knee pain) with swelling that may contribute to a lack of mobility.
Osteoarthritis generally starts mild, but can become worse over time if not treated with the right supplements. Osteoarthritis is not deadly, and those that suffer from arthritis are generally safe to walk, but may experience pain in the process. Knee pain when running may be more pronounced, so it's a good idea to contact a doctor before taking up jogging to ensure you're clear to run. Other Conditions That Cause Knee PainOther arthritic conditions are known to affect the knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks your joints. It generally affects your hands, feet, and knees at first, and the symptoms can be fairly mild. The disease may progress without treatment, however, and many of your joints may be affected. Other potential conditions that create knee pain when walking or running include:
Very rare conditions like an osteosarcoma require a medical diagnosis and imaging scans. What is Referred Hip Pain?Another condition that can contribute to knee pain when running and walking is referred to as referred hip pain. According to the Liverpool Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Hospital Aintree, hip pathology (diseases of the hip) can also lead to knee pain, especially in the elderly. Osteoporosis, for example, is a type of bonus disorder that can cause degeneration in the hips. Some studies have shown that this type of hip pain may lead to knee pain. If no clear cause of pain in the knee can be found, it may be useful to have your doctor check your hip as well. Treatment Options for Knee Pain When Walking or RunningBecause there is such a wide variety of causes for aerobic knee pain, it's important to confirm an accurate diagnosis before you decide on a treatment. Serious injury, cancer, bleeding disorders, or other rare knee problems will require a doctor's care. For more manageable diseases, care is as follows:
Interestingly, studies have shown that exercising once you feel you've recovered is an important part of preventing both temporary knee pain, overuse injuries, and potentially osteoarthritis, so make sure that you're taking the time to stay active. Consider athletic knee wraps as well, to keep your knee from experiencing further stress and injury when you exercise.
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