The knee is the moct common site of running injury comprising of 48% of all injuries experienced
by the running athlete. The most common injury experienced by both men and women is
extraarticular anterior knee pain. When considering running injuries to the knee, individuals
must remember that the knee is the major power absorber. The knee performs twice as much work as
the ankle or hip. Treatment includes various patellar tendon straps and open patellar neoprene
sleeves. These devices may enhance the condition.
The second most common overuse condition of the knee is iliotibial band syndrome. Runners frequently complain of pain while running downhill, because the iliotibial band rubs against the lateral femoral condyle when the knee is flexed. This friction results in tenderness of the tibia and the Gerdy's tubercle. Excessive lateral shoewear is often seen in these patients. These runners will also present weak hip abductors and poor hamstring flexibility. Treatments for this involves strict counseling regarding running terrain and surface choices. These runners should avoid rocky roads and hills. Rehabilitation should emphasize flexibility of the iliotibial band, hamstrings and the gluteus maximus.