Knee Pain When Running? How Your Feet May Be to Blame
If you're experiencing knee pain when running, you're not alone. This is one of the most common complaints we see at Lower Limb Clinic, and it's often a sign of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or IT Band Syndrome. The good news? With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 6-12 weeks with biomechanical intervention.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Running
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Poor foot mechanics (overpronation) cause the leg to rotate inward, affecting kneecap tracking and causing anterior knee pain.
Who typically experiences this: Runners with flat feet, those with weak hips, runners who've increased mileage.
IT Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band becomes tight and irritated on the outside of the knee. Foot mechanics and hip weakness are common contributors.
Who typically experiences this: Distance runners, those with leg length differences, runners on cambered surfaces.
Runner's Knee
A general term for anterior knee pain in runners, often related to overuse and biomechanical factors including foot function.
Who typically experiences this: New runners, those who've rapidly increased training, runners with poor mechanics.
Without proper assessment, it's impossible to know exactly what's causing your knee pain when running. What works for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome may not help—or could worsen—IT Band Syndrome.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You should book an assessment if:
- Knee pain occurs with every run
- Pain is affecting your running distance or pace
- You're modifying your gait because of knee pain
- The problem isn't improving with rest
"Most patients we see have tried various home remedies before booking. You're not wasting our time—persistent symptoms warrant professional assessment."
Our Diagnostic Approach
At your initial consultation, we'll:
Take a detailed history
Understanding when your knee pain when running started, what makes it better or worse, and your activity levels.
Physical examination
Hands-on assessment of your foot, ankle, and lower limb.
Biomechanical assessment
Evaluating how you stand and walk, identifying any contributing factors.
Gait analysis (if indicated)
Video and pressure plate analysis to understand your movement patterns.
We'll explain our findings clearly and discuss all treatment options before recommending a plan.
How We Treat Knee Pain When Running
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
Biomechanical assessment
Full lower limb evaluation from hip to foot
Custom orthotics
Control foot motion to reduce stress on the knee
Gait retraining
Targeted modifications to your running form
Hip strengthening programme
Address muscle weakness contributing to poor mechanics
"We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Your plan will be tailored to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals."
"I'd been suffering with knee pain when running for months before finally coming to Lower Limb Clinic. Within weeks of starting treatment, the improvement was remarkable. Wish I'd come sooner!"
— Verified Patient Review
Common Questions About Knee Pain When Running
Ready to Find Out What's Causing Your Knee Pain When Running?
Book a comprehensive assessment with our MSc-qualified specialist. Most patients wish they'd come sooner.
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