Why do my knees hurt after I run?

See your health care provider as soon as possible (orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist), for consultation. Patellofemoral pain symptom (PFPS), often called runner's knee, refers to pain under and around the knee cap. The pain of PFPS may occur in one or both knees, and it tends to worsen with activity, while descending stairs and after periods of inactivity. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is often mistaken for chondromalacia, a condition which describes damage (typically softening) of the articular cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella). Rest is one of the first treatment steps to reduce the pain and severity of patellofemoral pain and runner's knee. Reduce your mileage or turn to non-impact exercise, such as swimming, to keep your fitness level while allowing your knees to heal. The footwear your choose, can also be an important factor in recovering from PFPS. High quality shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles for a runner. Shoe breakdown can result in more knee pain. Orthotics and arch supports may also be advised. Icing the knees after use, has also been shown to decrease the inflammation, and pain in the joints. Patellofemoral pain can be hard to treat, and may take considerable time (up to six weeks to fully recover. So ease back into an exercise routine and maintain quadriceps strength, wear appropriate footwear, and rest at any signs of overuse, and PFPS is far less likely to sideline you in the future. I hope this helps you. And good luck.