Lateral Knee Pain after Running

[Natalie]

I run about 50 miles a week usually with no problems but over the weekend my knee really started hurting. About 8.5 miles in I had to stop for a traffic light and when I started running again the side of my knee hurt so much I didn't know if I could keep going. I kept going because I had to get home and after half a block it felt better. Every time I had to stop it hurt again. Walking hurts but running is fine. I tried ice but that made it worse and now walking hurts. I feel like my knee is a bit unsteady too. I've looked up all the common knee injuries and nothing seems to fit...help!

[Heidi]

When you stopped did you feel anything twinge? Or did the pain only appear once you started running again? You didn't twist it or do anything unusual?

There are several structures at the side of the knee which could be causing the pain. The most common are the:
Lateral Collateral Ligament:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/ilateralligament.html

IT band - runners knee: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/irunnersknee.html

Lateral meniscus: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/lateral_cartilage_meniscus_inflammation.htm

Patellofemoral pain syndrome: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/patellofemoral_pain_syndrome.php

Have you changed anything with your training lately? such as frequency, intensity, trainers, route (i.e. more hilly/hardder surfaces) etc.

[Natalie]

It only started hurting when I started up again. I've been wearing the same model of shoes for years fitted by a specialty running store and my route is always pretty much the same on a good path, not too many hills. I didn't twist it or injure it but there was a little bruise on the side but no swelling. Although I did slip on some ice and twist it and fall on my driveway this winter. It was sore for a couple days in a similar spot but that was close to a year ago.