6 Causes of Knee Pain When Running
Causes of knee pain when running can range from patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or "runner's knee," to poor form while running.1 Patellar tendinitis, or "jumper's knee," is another condition that may cause pain under or below your kneecap.2 Wearing the wrong shoe for your foot shape and stride can also cause knee pain or sore knees after running.3
Runner's Knee
Running is a high-impact exercise. Your joints have to repeatedly absorb and react to high levels of force. Runner's knee causes pain at the front of the knee or around the kneecap.1
Causes of runner's knee include:31
- Poor kneecap alignment from weak, tight leg muscles
- Poor running form
- Repetitive motions