If you have problems with your knee, there are several underlying causes. The most common conditions are:

• Torn cartilage
• Torn meniscus
• Torn knee ligaments
• Broken bone
• Loose crack and/or bone particles
• Wear or osteoarthritis
• Inflamed knee joint

It is of course also possible that you suffer from multiple conditions at the same time. Fortunately, there are various treatments to help you. For example, your (family) doctor can prescribe painkillers, but depending on your complaints and injury, laparoscopy, physiotherapy or simply rest can also be a suitable treatment.

If you have problems with your knee joint, this can have several causes. For example, you may have suffered serious knee injuries due to a fall, making it difficult for you to move your knee. The knee is often swollen and painful. If you experience serious problems, it is advisable to have your knee checked by your GP.

Below are some tips:

• Keep moving as normally as possible. If you are still in pain or if your knee is still swollen due to fluid, then take some more rest.
• Do you have fluid in your knee? Then place your lower leg a little higher on a pillow. This will help the swelling drain more easily.
• Cooling the knee can also relieve the pain.
• When the pain subsides, you can start moving your knee again. It can be nice to bandage your knee for some extra support when standing and walking. Start moving carefully and do not put too much force on your leg.
• If a movement is too painful for your knee, temporarily avoid the movement or take gradual steps at your own pace.
• If the movement is painless, cycling is a good idea.
• The symptoms usually disappear within two weeks. If this is not the case, you are advised to contact your GP.

If you have heard a crack in your knee, there is a good chance that you have torn your meniscus. A sudden movement can be enough to tear your meniscus. If you experience any discomfort in your knee after hearing a crack (pain, swelling, hearing your knee click, giving way to your knee or even not being able to bend or straighten your knee), it is advisable to contact your GP immediately. After examination, it will then become clear whether you need surgery.

With a knee injury you can start running again. Of course, make sure that running does not cause complaints again. It is wise to feel well whether the pace is not too fast and whether you are not going over your pain threshold. Make sure you have a good warm-up and build it up slowly.

People often hear that running is bad for your knees and can even cause wear and tear on your knees. This is not the case. On the contrary. Research has shown that runners actually have less trouble with their knees. Of course, other factors can play a role, such as bad running shoes, the wrong running/walking style, but also muscle development that is not in balance.

Pay attention to the following tips when purchasing the right shoes:

• It is best to buy running shoes at the end of the afternoon. Your feet will be a bit more swollen then, which will prevent you from buying shoes that are too tight.
• Remember when you try on your shoes that you should stand and not sit. When you stand, your foot shifts forward.
• Make sure you bring sports socks. You will probably also wear these while running. This will prevent you from buying shoes that are too small.
• Always try on both running shoes. They should both fit your feet well. The feeling of sports shoes can differ per brand, so it is wise to try on multiple shoes.
• Make sure that you do not feel any pressure or irritation at your instep. You may experience discomfort from this while running.
• It is important that your new running shoes have good cushioning. This softens the surface and the impact on your joints when you run.
• Female runners who are overweight or have wide feet are advised to choose a men’s model. Shoes for men are usually wider.