DR. NATHAN CAFFERKY

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Knee Pain After Exercise: Overuse or Arthritis?

Experiencing mild discomfort after a run or workout is common, but if your knee pain becomes persistent, it could be a sign of something more serious.

There are several potential causes of knee pain after exercise, from tendonitis to arthritis, and the type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Let's take a look at some of the differences between the most common sources of knee pain. 

Overuse Knee Injuries

Overuse injuries are prevalent among active people of all ages and generally occur when the knee joint is overloaded with repetitive stress without adequate time to rest and recover. 

Here are three overuse injuries that can cause knee pain after exercise:

Runner's Knee

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, more commonly known as runner's knee, is an overuse injury that affects runners and other athletes who put repeated stress on their knees. Commonly reported symptoms of runner's knee include:

  • Pain in and around the kneecap

  • Pain that is aggravated by activities like running or climbing stairs 

  • Pain that is worse after sitting too long with bent knees

Jumper's Knee

Jumper's knee, or patellar tendonitis, causes inflammation in the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This sports-related injury occurs from repeated stress on the knee joint, such as jumping on hard surfaces. People with jumper's knee may experience:

  • Pain and tenderness below the kneecap

  • Pain that worsens with exercise

  • Pain when flexing or extending your leg

  • Swelling

Iliotibial Band (IT Band) Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a condition that commonly affects athletes like runners and cyclists because of the repetitive bending and straightening of the knee. ITBS occurs when the iliotibial band, the tendon that runs from your hip to the shinbone, rubs against your knee bone and becomes inflamed. Symptoms may include: 

  • An aching pain along the outside of the knee that gets worse with exercise

  • Warmth and tenderness on the outside of the knee

  • Pain that radiates up to your hip

  • A clicking or popping sensation 

Treating Overuse Injuries

The good news is that in most cases of overuse injuries, conservative methods will help relieve the pain and get you back to your active favorite sports or activities. 

Treatments typically include:

  • Rest or activity modification

  • Ice

  • Elevation

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Shoe orthotics

  • Steroid injections

  • Stretching or strengthening exercise

  • Physical therapy 

Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the knees. It occurs when the cartilage—the rubbery tissue that cushions the ends of your bones—begins to break down.

Age is the primary risk factor for knee arthritis. This condition generally occurs in people aged 50 years and older. However, younger people can develop this type of arthritis due to an injury. Other risk factors include obesity, genetics, and gender (women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men).

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of osteoarthritis will usually build slowly rather than come on suddenly and may include:

  • Knee pain that gets worse during and after activity

  • Morning stiffness that gets better with movement

  • Swelling in the affected joint 

  • Cracking or grating sensations

  • Weakness or instability  

  • Reduced range of motion

Treating Osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, there isn't a way to cure osteoarthritis, but there are ways to slow its progress and relieve your symptoms.

Dr. Cafferky of The Steadman Clinic is the leading knee pain doctor in Colorado, specializing in osteoarthritis and adult joint reconstruction. He and his team are dedicated to getting you back to the activities you love and will recommend starting with conservative treatment methods whenever possible. 

These often include:

  • Activity modification 

  • Strengthening exercises

  • Physical therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Steroid injections

  • Weight loss (if needed)

If conservative treatments are no longer effective, and your knee pain is impacting you daily, it might be time to consider knee replacement surgery. Learn more about knowing when to speak to an orthopaedic specialist a total knee replacement. 

Are You Experiencing Persistent Knee Pain After Exercise?

If you're ready to get back to the activities you love without pain, contact Team Cafferky today! He and his team of knee specialists at The Steadman Clinic will work with you to diagnose the cause of your knee pain and develop a treatment plan that's right for your lifestyle.

Call (970) 476-1100 to make an appointment or request a consultation using our online form.