Running is the most popular form of exercise in the world for heart health, weight loss, muscle toning, etc. However, when you find your knees starting to speak up, pay attention to what they are trying to warn you about to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Tendonitis
Increasing the intensity of your workout means you are forcing your knees to work harder and causing the ligaments around your knees to become tight, which can cause tendonitis.
How to fix it: Tendonitis problems are often resolved in a variety of ways, such as resting, ice, relaxing the muscles, and returning to your previous training intensity. You can also apply leg stretching exercises to gently stretch the ligaments.
Knee Injuries
A knee injury occurs when the patella cartilage becomes irritated, causing mild to moderate pain when running. You may feel pain when running, going up and down stairs, or after sitting for too long.
How to fix it: Stretching exercises and leg raises after running will help strengthen your legs and prevent pain.
Torn Meniscus Also Causes Knee Pain
The meniscus is located on both the inside and outside of your knee, providing stability and preventing stress on the joint. A fall can tear the meniscus, causing swelling in your leg immediately or within an hour, and pain when you flex your knee.
How to fix it: The only way to know for sure if you have a torn meniscus is to see a doctor for an MRI. While some meniscus tears can be treated with rest, more severe tears may require surgery.
Ligament Injuries
A ligament injury can occur when you twist your knee the wrong way or trip over a pothole on the running trail, causing your knee to stop suddenly while running.
How to fix it: Although it is rare for regular exercisers, if you hear a loud popping sound while running, experience a sudden, sharp pain, or have difficulty standing, you may have a ligament injury. See your doctor as soon as possible to find out what treatment options are available and get rehab if needed.
Sprains
If you feel a slight creaking sound, your knee may be working harder than it should. An increase in running distance or a slip and fall on the trail may have caused your knee to slip out of place and sprain.
How to fix it: Get checked out by your doctor for the right medication and cast if needed, and rest, ice, or elevate your knee whenever possible.
