Whether you're new to running or a veteran marathoner, you may wonder, "Why do my knees hurt when I run?" Causes of knee pain after running can range from runner's knee to having poor form while running to wearing the wrong shoe for your foot shape and stride.
A burning pain or sensation can occur in the knee after a trauma, overuse injury, or strain. Rest, ice, over-the-counter medication, and a knee support may help relieve symptoms, but some people may need medical treatment.
Gentle stretching and other low impact exercises can strengthen the muscles that support your knee joint. Start by stretching your heel, calf, quadriceps, and hamstrings, and work up to half squats, calf raises, and other leg lift variations.
Strengthening and stretching exercises can help ease medial (inner) knee pain caused by chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and knee tendon bursitis or acute injuries such as a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) and partially dislocated kneecap.
Chondromalacia patella occurs when the cartilage at the back of the kneecap begins to soften and break down. This breakdown causes the kneecap to grind against the leg bones that join to form the knee joint, resulting in pain that worsens with activity.
