Why Might Running Every Day Lead to Knee Pain?

When you run every day, your knees work hard with each step and bear a lot of force. This is especially true when running on hard surfaces or using improper form. When the knee joint is used repeatedly without enough time to rest and recover, the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage around the kneecap can become irritated or inflamed. This irritation is known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, or runner’s knee. The constant pressure on the knee can also strain the muscles that support the joint. If these muscles are weak or if you have had a previous knee injury, the risk of pain and further damage increases. Rest days, proper training techniques, and strengthening exercises can help reduce the risk of knee pain. Listening to your body and using good running shoes that offer proper support can also play a big part in keeping your knees healthy even if you run frequently.