Running on the trails is supposed to be a relatively safe sport, right?
Then why is it that you have pain problems after you run?
When you think about it, running is still a high impact activity where extreme pressure and strain are placed on the knee joints and the ligaments that help support the knee. The continuous and excessive pounding and stress on the knees can lead to common injuries such as ACL tears, MCL tears and meniscus tears.
While all runners will not necessarily develop these specific knee injuries, almost all runners will suffer from painful knees after running at some time in their career.
Are Painful Knees After Running A Sign Of Damaged Tissue?
If you have discomfort in your knees after running, this does not always mean that you will have a serious knee injury. Painful knees after a running can be a normal response known as "protective pain" coming from myofascial trigger points. This type of pain may feel as if it is radiating from the knee joint, but is actually the result of the contraction knots in the quadriceps muscles.
Common Injuries That Cause Painful Knees after Running
Running can put a lot of strain and pressure on the knee joint and the ligaments supporting the knee. You already know this to be true. As time goes on, this could develop into a number of more severe types of knee issues, including:
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Also known as "Runner's Knee", this collectively refers to common problems afflicting runners, which includes common injuries like chondromalacia patella, patellar tendonitis, or generalized knee pain.
- Dislocated Kneecap: This condition causes acute symptoms during dislocation but can also cause chronic knee pain.
- Plica Syndrome: This knee issue results in discomfort along the lining of your knee joint. Some individuals have more prominent lining of the knee joint, and can form the so-called "plica shelf". The tissue can be come irritated and inflamed after running, and can cause pain for runners.
How Knee Braces Prevent Painful Knees After Running
Despite the often repeated advice to ease up on the "road running", most runners refuse to give up. For those who insist on running the extra mile without letting painful knees get in the way, there is a simple way of preventing painful knees after running.
Knee braces for running are specially designed to help the knee joints so that the stress and strain from constant pounding while running are reduced to a minimum. The functionality of a knee brace helps to ensure that potential damage to the knee joint and ligaments are avoided. Moreover, individuals who run should choose the right knee support that pertains to their particular needs. Several affordable and low profile knee braces can allow for great support.
When choosing the appropriate knee brace, runners should first determine the conditions for which the knee brace will be used. Prophylactic knee supports are considered if you want to help "prevent" future knee problems. Functional knee braces, on the other hand, are used to compensate for a torn ligament and prevent further aggravation of knee injuries. - Nevertheless, you should not be in the position where you are looking back, wishing that you would have done something to help protect your knee. Supporting your knees with a brace is never a bad idea if you have pain in your knee joint.
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