6. Runner's knee

Description: Runner's knee – or 'chondromalacia patella' – is a kneecap (patella) problem where the kneecap maltracks, thereby causing pain during running. It is frequently caused by a thigh-muscle imbalance, which can pull the kneecap out of alignment – and this imbalance can occasionally be caused by running on the side of a road where the camber can affect gait. Pain is felt in the general knee area, and this pain often builds during a run but ceases as soon as you stop.

Treatment: Seek professional assessment and advice for remedial exercises for the thigh to correct the imbalance. A regular programme of correctly prescribed exercises will resolve the problem.

Training and racing: Pain-free racing may prove to be possible, whereas training may cause discomfort. When racing, you are likely to be running faster, fully extending the knee and working all the muscles of the thigh equally – and so maltracking will be less likely to occur. However, when running at a slower pace during training, the thigh muscles may work unequally and pain may resume. It's best to follow the advice given to you by a professional practitioner or therapist when thinking about training or racing with runner's knee.