7 Running Tips to Reduce Knee Pain
By Matt Paulus, MS, ATC, Site Coordinator
7 Running Tips to Reduce Knee Pain:
Knee pain while running, especially when it alters your running pattern and mechanics, should be addressed. Avoiding some of this pain can be done by following these 7 running tips to reduce knee pain:

Female runner having pain in her knee
1.Change up your running volume!
Your running distance and frequency should build gradually. Too much running at once can cause excess pain and injury.
2.Stretch after you run and to maintain good lower body flexibility.
The more flexibility you develop in lower body the less likely you are to suffer from an injury.
3.Listen to your body!
Expect to be a little bit sore, but any sharp pain could be a reason for concern.
4.Proper footwear is necessary!
Getting a shoe for your foot type is essential for proper support while running
5.Mix in a different kind of workout with your training program on off days.
This will give your running muscles a chance to recover and will build complimentary muscles.
6.You should take a day or two off per week to give your body time to recover.
Allowing this recovery reduces the chance of a running related injury.
7.Make sure you are running with proper form
Your upper body should be as relaxed as possible with the feeling of being pulled along by a string attached to your belly button

Image of a person running
Here is a video from the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute on Dynamic Warm Up Exercises: To Get Ready for Your Work Out!
JOI and JOI Rehab
All JOI Physicians and Physical Therapists work together to develop comprehensive rehab programs for running athletes. If you have an injury, give us a call. We want to help you get back to the sport that you love. Please read these other related articles on running.
- To schedule a new patient or follow up patient appointment with your MD, please call (904)JOI-2000.
- To schedule an appointment for physical or occupational therapy, call 904-858-7045 or visit 12 area JOI Rehab Centers.
JOI and JOI Rehab
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. Make an appointment by calling (904) JOI-2000 or schedule online. A new option, you can now schedule and cancel follow-up appointments with your physician at the JOI Patient Portal.