Understanding knee pain

Knee pain can be caused by myriad factors. Injury is one common cause. Another, especially if you’re a woman, is chondromalacia, which the National Institutes of Health describes as a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap. This results from improper alignment of the kneecap, muscle tightness or weakness, and extra stress on the knee joints.  Some simple suggestions offered by the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine include stretching the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, strengthening the quadriceps, applying ice, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your physician. But most important, you should temporarily modify your training until symptoms subside. For example, if running is part of your cardiovascular routine, choose a softer surface such as a specially prepared track rather than concrete. You could also try an alternate activity such as biking, which is less stressful on the joints.