Triathlons, running and knee pain

A few of our patients braved Bristol Harbour and competed in the Bristol Harbourside Triathlon last weekend. Congratulations to all competitors. Runners who switch to triathlons often find aches and pains from triathlons differ to those from running alone. This can occur because the way we use core and glut muscles for endurance running is different from how they are used for shorter runs and cycling. The ilio-tibial band can tighten up and suffer as a result, and pain can arise in the outer knee. Here is an interesting article on Iliotibial band friction syndrome by a friend of mine who is the Aussie triathlon team physio.