Runner’s Knee and the processes of prevention & healing

Posted June 15, 2007 at 06:00 PM by Courtney Albon

Section: Her Fitness, Her Health, Injury & Rehab

The term “runner’s knee” refers to an inflammation of the tendon, the (ITB), that is located on the outside of the thigh.  As injury to this tendon often results from overuse of the knees, and runner’s rely on their knees to function within their sport, the title “runner’s knee” is quite appropriate.  The name is, however, deceptively exclusive as runner’s knee describes an ailment common among individuals who are active in a spectrum of activities such as biking, walking, or jumping.

As mentioned above, the inflammation of the ITB can be a result of overuse or overstretching of the tendon in any activity that requires repeated knee bending.  Misalignment is also a factor in the injury.  If a bone is out of it’s correct position, then the excess stress being placed elsewhere can result in the pulling and inflammation of the ITB.  The tendon can also undergo stress because of weak thigh muscles or a direct injury to the knee such as a fall or a blow.  Runners with flat feet, or fallen arches, often have knee problems as the ITB is forced to stretch in order to compensate for the missing arch.

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