The knee is the largest joint of a human. Due to its structure, it is able to withstand significant and prolonged loads. However, the topic of knee pain after running is relevant for people who lead an active lifestyle. This article will discuss the causes and give advice on the treatment of mild running pain that is not associated with an injury to the knee joint and ligaments.
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Causes of knee pain after running
British scientists conducted an interdisciplinary study that showed that running played an important role in human evolution and led to the consolidation of the physique that we all have today. Running is a more natural activity for a person than, for example, swimming. However, like any physical activity, running involves:
- understanding the mechanics of the process;
- load dosage;
- compliance of the load with age, individual characteristics of the body.
In most cases, aching knee pain after running appears as a result of one or a set of factors:
- incorrect running technique;
- wrong shoes;
- overweight;
- too high or frequent load;
- a disease of a joint.
Simplistically, the knee joint can be represented as the connection of two bones, each of which is tightly attached to the joint capsule. Inside the capsule is a powerful cartilage that absorbs the load and protects the surface of the bones from contact with each other. As well as a special liquid that provides the necessary sliding for the movement of the joint elements. Outside the capsule in the knee are located:
- shock-absorbing cartilage-meniscus;
- connective tendons and ligaments;
- kneecap, which additionally stabilizes the joint and protects it from the front.
In most cases, a healthy person who is engaged in running, knee pain is associated with the central element of the joint – the capsule. From too much stress or as a result of age-related changes, the cartilage inside the capsule begins to thin, change its physical properties, and becomes less elastic. Pain occurs due to changes in the properties of joint fluid, due to an increase or decrease in its amount.
Pain may indicate the development of bursitis-inflammation of the joint capsule, which is accompanied by a change in the properties of the fluid in it. Another common disease is tendinitis-inflammation of the tendons that bind the joint. In many cases, tendinitis accompanies bursitis. Both diseases develop against the background of systematic overload of the joint.
Ways to treat knee pain after running
The methods discussed below allow you to relieve pain. In case of severe pain, it is better to use painkillers and immediately consult a doctor. On the iythealth.com you can find a list of painkillers that are good to have at home for different occasions. However, if you have severe pain, swelling, or a lump in the knee area, you should consult a doctor.
A cold compress
Apply ice wrapped in gauze to the aching knee for 5 minutes. Do not abuse this method: local hypothermia is not safe.
The kinesiology tape
Use an elastic band to secure the knee joint. The kinesiology tape was originally used in professional sports, but today they are available to all and sold in pharmacies. The kinesiology tape is recommended to wear while Jogging. They create a flexible fixation, and this is different from elastic bandages.
Pain relief patch
Today, you can buy a patch with lidocaine impregnation in pharmacies. It is applied to the entire knee from the side with which there is a painful sensation. You can get rid of the pain in this way for 12 hours. But this method can not be abused. If the pain persists or recurs after each race, you should consult a doctor.
