Running has become an incredibly popular exercise modality over the last few decades, particularly after the COVID Pandemic. The shutdown of gyms created no other option for some people, other than to get their exercise outdoors. Running is an amazing way to maintain health, and improve cardiovascular function. You can do it anywhere, even on holiday or far away from built up areas that have gyms. you can have, but by all means do not need any fancy, expensive equipment to run. Comfortable clothing, paired some supportive shoes, and you’re set to run. However, with the increase of running in the UK, so has increased the prevalence of running-related anterior knee pain.

Anterior Knee Pain?

Pain in the front of the knee is often called patellofemoral pain by healthcare and fitness professionals alike. However, we can also get pain in the patella tendon or the quad tendon. Although these are at the front or ‘anterior’ of the knee, we don’t usually describe as anterior knee pain. Patellofemoral pain can be a rather gradual onset of pain, and others can get the pain in a very short amount of time. Pain tends to be at it’s worst when going down stairs, squatting, sitting for long periods of time, or any other activity where the knee goes ‘over the toes’. But why do we get this pain?

Why do I get pain whilst running and my friend doesn’t?

Although we may hear form our friends and family that ‘running is bad for your knees’, the act of running is not inherently bad for you. In fact, if done properly, it is one of the most accessible, beneficial forms of exercise for bone and joint health, and to improve the capabilities of your cardiorespiratory system - heart and lungs! Patellofemoral pain often occurs when the knee has been exposed to a level of work that it has not been used to. This can be as innocuous as a busy weekend of lifting boxes up and downstairs while moving house, or a runner who has suddenly decided to run some extra miles than they usually do. The reason that some people will get pain while running and others don’t are based on a wide range of factors, but these reasons include:

• Your general bone and joint health.

• Your body composition ie. having a large bodyweight compared to a relatively low muscle mass/conditioning in your leg muscles can increase your risk of anterior knee pain.

• How quickly you have increased your weekly mileage compared to a slower, more progressive approach.

• Your training age - ie. how many years you have been running for. Novice runners will get injured more often than seasoned runners.

What do I do to get rid of my knee pain?

When an injury stops you doing the things you have to do like work, and the things you love to do like play with your children, it is important to get a plan of recovery in place. This would involve getting your knee assessed and finding out why your body is not handling the things you need to do. The cause may be far away from the knee, such as the hip or torso, or may be a result of an other injury, or a weakness in your opposite leg.

If you have any questions on whether physio is the best option for you, or you have any questions about MVMNT in general, feel free to contact via email.

- Jay Towolawi, Specialist Sports Physiotherapist and MVMNT Founder.