Running

Jogging knee pain

Don't let it slow you down

Usually, it happens when you least expect it: a short, sharp pain stops you in your usual, smooth running rhythm. The shock is followed by the knowledge that you can’t continue your run and you have to return home early.

Knee pain during or after jogging is quite common. The good news: it can generally be treated very effectively and managed without too much trouble. We will explain to you here and on the following pages what you need to know about different kinds of knee pain, how you can treat them and which tools can make treatment more effective.

Pain in the knee - what's going on with you?

You’ve already been diagnosed or have got an approximate idea of where your knee pain comes from? This section will provide you with comprehensive information about the most common knee problems in runners:

Schematic representation of the aching area with a knee

Runner's Knee

Runner's knee is one of the most common complaints among runners. Here you can find out everything you need to know about symptoms, causes and treatment.

Schematic representation of patella tip syndrome

Patellar Tendonitis

Pain in the front or below the knee often indicates patellar tendinitis. Learn more about how it develops and what you should keep in mind when running.

Schematic representation pes-Anerinus syndrome

Pes Anserine Bursitis

When runners have pain in the inner tibial plateau, the diagnosis is often pes anserinus syndrome. Learn more about causes, symptoms and treatment here.

Pain in the back of the knee

Pain in the back of the knee is often mysterious at first. We have summarised here what is behind it and what you can do about it.

Didn't find what you were looking for here? Does your knee pain manifest itself in other ways or is it perhaps not caused by sport? Then find out about other possible causes from our Bauerfeind Medical colleagues in the knee pain section!

To Bauerfeind Medical

„You have already taken the most important step: you have started to run. Super, well done! However, be careful in the beginning that you do not increase your training distance too quickly, instead increase it gradually. This way, your ligaments and joints can get used to the movement and you can avoid injury and pain.”

Anna and Lisa Hahner, Germany's fastest Marathon twins

Why is my knee hurting when I run?

Knee pain manifests in different ways and different areas of your knees. Pain can occur on all four sides. That is why orthopaedists differentiate as follows:

Knee pain on the outside often indicates “runner’s knee” – one of the most common diagnoses, particularly for beginners who embarked on too much. If the pain is on the inside, this may be a sign of “pes anserine bursitis”, which is an irritation of the tendon insertion at the knee joint. If your knee pain is in the area of the kneecap, you may have patellar tip syndrome. Pain in the popliteal area or at the top of the calf can have various causes which we will look at in more depth in the relevant article.

The following generally applies: if the pain persists for an extended period, you should definitely see a doctor. Knee pain is often caused by excessive strain or inappropriate mechanical stress in certain joints or tendons. “Riding it out” is therefore not a good idea.

Two runners in bright running jackets run on a narrow path between sparingly overgrown meadows in nature

What to do about knee pain after jogging?

Langer Anna Hahner Kniend on the jetty holds her knee

The most sensible thing when pain occurs is first to stop what is causing the problem – in this case, take a break from running. Instead, it helps to elevate the leg as often as possible and to regularly apply ice to the knee and the surrounding tissue (but be careful: do not put it right on the skin but wrapped in a towel, or use a cool pack from a pharmacy). Some exercise is OK, mainly with alternative training, such as walking, cycling or swimming. But the same applies here, too: be gentle and don’t exceed any thresholds that cause you pain again.

“Better safe than sorry”, as the saying goes. This also applies to knee pain, of course. You can strengthen your knees with a few simple exercises and measures so that pain won’t even occur. In our articles about runner’s knee, pes anserine bursitis, patellar tip syndrome and pain at the back of the knee, we describe which exercises are best for which type of pain.

If rest, time and strengthening exercises won’t do the trick and your knee pain persists for several days, you must visit a doctor. Your doctor will accurately locate the origin of your pain and possibly prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or a knee support, which provides effective relief in the affected areas.

What effects do supports have on knee pain?

Knee supports, such as our Sports Knee Support, Sports Knee Strap or Sports Compression Knee Support, provide different methods of reducing knee pain.

1. Compression: Pressure improves venous reflux, increases metabolism and reduces the formation of oedemas. Targeted compression zones strengthen joint perception, thus providing the knee with neuromuscular stabilisation.
2. Massage: This stimulation improves local circulation and accelerates metabolic processes. Inflammation is reduced more quickly. Additionally, positive sensorimotor feedback is triggered and the stabilising muscles are activated more quickly.
3. Support and stabilisation: Specifically shaped pads, such as our Omega Pad, provide the knee joint with straight guidance, thus evenly distributing pressure in the knee. This prevents rubbing and wear in the area of the joint cartilage.