How Physiotherapy, Dry Needling, and Custom Orthotics Can Help
Running is one of the best ways to stay active, but for many people, knee pain after running can quickly turn a healthy habit into a painful experience. At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, with clinics in Limerick and Charleville, we regularly help runners overcome knee pain so they can get back to training safely and confidently.
Whether you’re a casual jogger or a seasoned athlete, understanding why knee pain occurs—and how to treat it properly—is essential for lasting relief.
Common Causes of Knee Pain After Running
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
This occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t track smoothly over the femur, leading to pain around or behind the kneecap, especially when running downhill, squatting, or climbing stairs.Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
The IT band runs from your hip to your shin along the outside of your leg. Tightness or overuse can cause friction around the outer knee, producing sharp, burning pain with each stride.Tendonitis
Overtraining, poor running technique, or incorrect footwear can cause inflammation in the tendons around the knee, leading to pain and stiffness after running.Muscle Imbalances or Weakness
Weakness in the hip, glute, or quadriceps muscles can lead to poor knee alignment and excess strain during running.Poor Foot Mechanics
Flat feet, overpronation, or high arches can create misalignment from the ground up—transferring extra stress to the knee joint.
How Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Can Help
At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we use a holistic and hands-on approach to diagnose and treat the real cause of your knee pain. Every treatment is performed by Don Kelly, an experienced physiotherapist and acupuncturist with over two decades of clinical expertise in Limerick and Charleville.
Our treatment may include:
1. Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy
Targeted joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques relieve tightness, restore normal movement, and improve knee stability.
2. Dry Needling and Acupuncture
Dry needling and acupuncture are highly effective in reducing inflammation, releasing tight muscles, and accelerating tissue healing. For runners with chronic tightness in the quads, hamstrings, or IT band, dry needling can significantly reduce pain and improve performance.
3. Custom Orthotics
For runners with biomechanical issues or poor foot alignment, custom orthotics provide essential support and balance. Proper orthotics reduce strain on the knees by improving the way your feet and legs move, preventing recurring pain and injury.
4. Exercise Rehabilitation
Tailored strengthening and flexibility programs focus on the hips, glutes, hamstrings, and quads—helping you improve movement control and reduce the risk of re-injury.
5. Running and Gait Analysis
We assess your running mechanics to identify movement patterns or footwear issues contributing to your knee pain.
Self-Care and Prevention Tips
To protect your knees and prevent pain from returning:
Warm up and stretch before each run
Strengthen hip and glute muscles regularly
Avoid sudden increases in running distance or speed
Invest in quality running shoes that match your foot type
Use ice after long runs to reduce inflammation
Book regular physiotherapy sessions to maintain muscle balance and mobility
If your knee pain persists for more than a few days, don’t ignore it—continuing to run through pain can worsen the injury.
Get Expert Help in Limerick and Charleville
Don’t let knee pain after running keep you sidelined. At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we combine evidence-based physiotherapy, dry needling, and custom orthotics to help you recover faster and prevent future injury.
📍 Visit our clinics in Limerick or Charleville to book your appointment today and start running pain-free again.
