
Knee/Lower Leg Conditions
ITB Syndrome
ITB Syndrome

ITB syndrome typically is worst while running downhill and may even be absent while running uphill. It can even be painful enough to drastically limit or even completely stop training. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common sources for knee pain. It is estimated that 60% of all runners are injured in an average year. About one-third of those injuries occur to the knee, producing a yearly incidence rate of one in five runners.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Stabbing pain along the outside of the knee
- A feeling of the ITB “snapping” over the knee with motion
- Swelling near the outside of your knee
- Tightness or pain at the outside of the hip
- Pain with walking, climbing, or descending stairs
Patella Tendonitis

Patellar tendinitis is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping — such as basketball and volleyball. For this reason, patellar tendinitis is commonly known as jumper’s knee. However, even people who don’t participate in jumping sports can experience patellar tendinitis. Movement of the knee may cause a crunching sensation, called crepitus, directly over the swollen tendon.
Jumper’s knee can be classified into one of four stages, as follows:
- Stage 1 – Pain after activity, no functional impairment
- Stage 2 – Pain during and after activity, mildly limiting
- Stage 3 – Pain during and after activity, with difficulty performing
- Stage 4 – Complete tendon tear requiring surgical repair
Meniscus Tears

You might feel a “pop” when you tear a meniscus. Most people can still walk on their injured knee. Many athletes keep playing with a tear. Over two to three days, your knee will gradually become more stiff and swollen. Conservative treatment is sometimes enough to relieve the pain of a torn meniscus and give the injury time to heal on its own. In other cases, however, a torn meniscus requires surgical repair.
The most common symptoms of meniscal tear are:
- Pain
- Stiffness and swelling
- Catching or locking of your knee
- The sensation of your knee “giving way”
- You are not able to move your knee through its full range of motion
Ligament Injuries

There are four ligaments in the knee that are prone to injury.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — ACL injuries are the most common cause of injury to the knee with 95,000 occurring every year in the United States.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) — major ligament in the knee connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone in the knee.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) — outside knee ligament-medial
- Collateral ligament (MCL) — inside knee ligament
Grade 1 Sprains — The ligament is mildly damaged. It has been slightly stretched but is still able to help keep the knee joint stable.
Grade 2 Sprains — A Grade 2 sprain stretches the ligament to the point where it becomes loose. This is often referred to as a partial tear of the ligament.
Grade 3 Sprains — Commonly referred to as a complete tear of the ligament. The ligament has been split into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.
Osgood Schlatter Disease

Sometimes, it develops for no apparent reason. However, overuse of the quadriceps muscles is thought to be a common cause. The quadriceps muscle is used to straighten the knee. This muscle pulls on the kneecap (patella), which pulls on the patellar ligament, which is attached to the upper part of the shin bone (tibia). Overuse of the quadriceps muscle can cause repetitive strain on the attachment of the patellar ligament to the growing tibia.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain just below your kneecap (patella). The severity of the pain tends to vary.
- Pain is usually worse during, and just after, activity. It tends to ease with rest.
- Pain typically lasts a few months, but sometimes persists until you have finished growing.
Shin Splints

Shin splints typically develop after physical activity. They are often associated with running. Any vigorous sports activity can bring on shin splints, especially if you are just starting a fitness program. People who have flat feet or recurrent problems with shin splints may benefit from foot orthotics. Shoe inserts can help align and stabilize your foot and ankle, taking stress off of your lower leg.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain that can be sharp and razor-like or dull and throbbing
- Pain occurring both during and after exercise
- Pain aggravated by running and jumping