Chronic knee pain from running...help?
2 1/2 months ago, during XC season, my left knee began to hurt. The pain starts on the inside of my knee where the bones meet and then wraps around my patella and stops under the patellar tendon. There are no tender parts on the outside of my knee, but it doesn't necessarily feel internal either. While running, it hurts when I strike the ground and when I lift my leg up. It also hurts when I extend my leg (like you would to do the sitting hamstring stretch) and when I do the breaststroke (so much for cross training >.<). I took 2 full weeks off and then began running again but it still hurt, so I took 2 more weeks off and came back and it continued to hurt. My left leg is shorter than my right and slightly turned in, so that may have something to do with it (but I have played sports all my life and it has never caused any injuries) . I am seeing my PT soon, but I'm dieing to diagnose my 'phantom' knee pain.
Public Comments
1. Your PT is most qualified to answer this question. You may wish to do knee strengthening exercises.2. It sounds like it could possibly be "runner's knee."
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes the symptoms as: "A dull, aching pain under or around the front of the kneecap (patella) where it connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur). Pain occurs when walking up or down stairs, kneeling, squatting, and sitting with a bent knee for a long period of time."
That's just a thought, you should definitely check with your PT, he'll have the best idea. :)
3. you are either suffering from patellar tendinopathy or chondromalacia patellae.
