Knee Pain When Running: 8 Causes and Solutions

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: Dr. Benjamin Wallace

Why do my knees hurt when I run? Is this the same question you are asking all the time! If so, you're not alone. Many people suffer from this type of pain, and it can be quite frustrating.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of knee pain when running and offer some solutions that might help. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Do My Knees Hurt When I Run - Content

Cause #1: Improper Form

One of the most common causes of knee pain when running is improper form. When you run, your feet should hit the ground heel-first. If you're striking the ground with your toes, you're putting unnecessary stress on your knees. This can cause discomfort and inflammation.

Solution: Try to focus on landing with your heel first, and make sure your knees are bent correctly. You might also want to consider using a metronome to help keep your cadence consistent.

Cause #2: Wrong Improper shoes

Another cause of knee pain when running is using the wrong shoes. If you're running in shoes that are too tight or too loose, you're going to experience pain. Additionally, if your shoes are too old and worn out, they won't provide enough cushioning.

Solution:Make sure you buy a pair of new best cushioned running shoes that are the correct size and fit. Be sure to replace your shoes every 300-500 miles, or sooner if they show signs of wear and tear.

Cause #3: Weak Muscles

If you're not strengthening your muscles, they can become weak and lead to pain when running. This is especially true for the muscles around your knees.

Solution:Make sure to include strength training in your workout routine. Try doing squats, lunges, and step-ups.

Cause #4: Obesity

If you're overweight, you're more likely to experience knee pain when running. This is because your joints have to bear more weight, which causes them to wear out faster.

Solution:Make sure you're eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.

Cause #5: Injury

If you've ever injured your knee, it's more likely that you'll experience pain when running. This is because your knee is not as strong and stable as it once was.

Solution:Make sure to take time to recover after an injury. When you're feeling better, slowly start adding running back into your routine. If the pain returns, stop immediately and consult a doctor.

Cause #6: Overuse

If you're running too often or not giving your body enough time to rest between workouts, this can cause pain. Your muscles and joints need time to recover, and if you don't give them that time, you're going to experience pain.

Solution:Make sure to rest between runs, and consider alternating running with other forms of exercise.

Cause #6: Not Using Knee Brace

If you're experiencing pain, it might be helpful to use a knee brace. This will help stabilize your knee and reduce the amount of stress that's being put on it.

Solution:Try using a knee brace when running.

Cause #7: Not Enough Hydration

If you're not drinking enough water, you might experience pain when running. This is because dehydration can lead to inflammation and muscle fatigue.

Solution:Make sure you're drinking enough water before and after running

Cause #8: Not Enough Fat in Diet

If you're not getting enough fat in your diet, you might experience pain when running. This is because a lack of fat can lead to inflammation and knee pain.

Solution:Make sure you're eating enough healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocados.

Common Causes of Knee Pain:

One of the most common causes of knee pain when running is improper alignment. When your feet, ankles, and legs are not in proper alignment, it can cause pain in your knees. This type of misalignment happens when one leg is shorter than the other or they are not aligned correctly with each other.

Another cause of knee pain when running is overuse injuries, which occur when your muscles get too much stress on them from running. This type of injury usually happens when you're running on uneven surfaces, such as hills or trails with rocks and roots in them. These types of surfaces put more stress on your muscles and can cause pain in your knees.


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Dr. Benjamin Wallace

Dr. Benjamin Wallace

Dr. Benjamin Wallace is a podiatry specialist with over two decades of experience in treating issues of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Record of successful treatments, from managing arthritic conditions and healing diabetic foot disorders to addressing foot deformities and sports-related injuries.