Myth: Knee Pain Is Always a Direct Result of a Problem in Your Knee.

Fact: Not always. Knee pain is often linked to deficits in other areas, such as weak muscles in your hips, trunk, thighs, lower legs, and feet. Tight muscles in your thighs or lower legs, and limited joint mobility, can also contribute to knee pain. A complete assessment by a physical therapist will help identify whether these issues are contributing to your pain. Your PT can develop a personalized program to address these deficits and get you back to running pain-free.

Myth: You Should Push Through Knee Pain to Get Rid of It.

Fact: No. Pushing through pain can worsen your condition. It’s crucial to address the root causes of the pain rather than ignoring it. A thorough assessment of your knee and leg is essential for identifying the source of your discomfort and developing an effective treatment plan.

Myth: Running Technique Has No Effect on Knee Pain.

Fact: Running technique plays a significant role in knee pain. Small adjustments, like taking shorter, faster steps (increasing your step rate by 5 to 10 percent), can reduce the load on your joints and help relieve knee pain. Switching from a rearfoot strike pattern to a forefoot strike can also decrease the load on your knee. Improving your muscular strength and control in the lower extremities can further dampen impact forces when you run.

If you’re experiencing knee pain or would like to explore ways to prevent it, contact our clinic today. A physical therapist can assess your running technique and help you find the best strategy for staying pain-free and active.