The key to figuring out how to determine the cause of the knee pain. Running can cause a lot of impact on the joints in the legs, especially the knees, and cartilage damage can occur when you run regularly. An improper gait while running can cause pain, so in order to avoid knee pain from running, you may need to have a gait analysis done to figure out how to make your running stride more efficient and lower impact on the joints. In some cases, wearing a brace may be enough to avoid knee pain from running, while in more severe cases, physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary.
The first step in diagnosing the possible causes of knee pain is to visit a doctor. He or she may be able to make suggestions for you to avoid knee pain from running by eliminating possible causes of pain, such as arthritis, which as no cure, and cartilage damage, which may require surgery. Tendinitis, torn or strained ligaments, or bone spurs may all be causes of knee pain, and these may require specific medical procedures for treatment, while others may require rest and physical therapy. If a doctor diagnoses one of these issues, follow his or her specific instructions.
A runner's gait can have a significant effect on the amount of strain and use the knee can endure. To avoid knee pain from running that is caused by an improper gait, consider consulting a professional trainer or medical professional who can identify your specific gait issues and recommend a course of action. Choosing a more supportive pair of running shoes is almost always recommended, and in some cases, shoes can be purchased that will help correct pronation, which occurs when the feet face too far inward. Knee braces may also be recommended; these can help support the ligaments that connect the bones in a joint, and in some cases, the knee brace can help reduce swelling.
Consider analyzing your regular running schedule. In some cases, it is easy to avoid knee pain from running simply by running less or at different times. Running too much or overtraining can damage the ligaments, cartilage, and even the bones in the joint. Stress fractures can develop in the bones if they can no longer support the strain of running; these small breaks in the bone can cause mild to severe pain, and in some cases, rest will allow the bone to heal on its own. More serious fractures may need surgery and can lead to more serious or chronic problems in the knee.