Overtraining especially in runners, with improper stretching prior to training and/ or poor conditioning before starting a training program leads to development of overuse syndromes of the knee.

Most of these overuse syndromes are forms of tendinitis or bursitis.  The most common are anserine bursitis, iliotibial (IT) band syndrome, and popliteal and patellar tendinitis.

Symptoms are worse with running/ training and require cessation of the activity.

Anserine bursitis- is pain on the inner knee and below the knee joint line.  Pain is worse with running, jumping, and other knee movement activities.  Also pain with stretching the hamstrings. 

Iliotibial band syndrome- and popliteal tenosynovitis often mimic each other.  Pain is felt on the outside of the knee during activity.  Pain is worse running downhill and often not going uphill.  There may also be repeated snapping in the knee a when walking or running. 

Patellar tendinitis- swelling and pain is felt in the front of the knee rather than below the knee.

Rest and stoppage of associated physical activity is necessary.  After pain has gone away, gentle stretching, especially before resuming training is recommended to prevent occurrence.