A stiff knee after running could be can be caused by several different conditions, some of which include:

1.) An Injured ligament

2.) Osteoarthritis of the knee

3.) Rheumatoid arthritis

To find out the exact reason why you are experiencing a stiff knee after running, you need to speak to a doctor. Your doctor will perform an examination of the knee and will do an x-ray of the joint to get to the root of the matter. The course of action and treatment that will be recommended to you will depend on the condition of your knee as well as your own general health. - This is general information, of course, but needs to be discussed before we move on...

An Injured Ligament

An injured ligament can cause pain as well as a stiff knee after running. Unfortuntaley, an injured ligament can result in increased discomfort and edema (swelling). If the cause of the stiffness in the knee is an injured ligament, then the doctor will prescribe rest and perhaps a knee brace when you walk or exercise to help prevent further injury. The meaningful support that these braces can provide can actually help reduce your pain as well and give you a sense of confidence as well. This improved sense of confidence is a result of knowing that your knee feels more stable, as a result of wearing a well designed knee brace.

Runners often are prone to injury of the knee and like many other athletes, are often advised to wear a knee brace to prevent such injuries from occurring.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This is an incurable condition that can affect anyone - it is not just limited to older people. It is similar to arthritis but attacks the knees, gradually weakening the cartilage. Contrary to popular belief, osteoarthritis does not discriminate against anyone due to their age.

Treatment for this condition ranges from wearing a brace and using anti-inflammatory drugs to surgery, depending on the age of the person who has this condition as well as the severity of the problem. However, surgery is usually the last resort after more conservative treatment has been exhausted.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unlike other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the body actually attacks itself. Unfortunately, it can affect anyone of any age, including children. It is thought to be a hereditary disease so children who complain about a stiff knee after running often should be taken to a pediatrician, especially if they have a parent with this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with medication and braces for support.

Who Can Tell You For Sure About Your Knee?

Only a doctor can diagnose the reason for a stiff knee after running. If you are diagnosed with one of the above conditions, your doctor should want to treat the matter conservatively, rather than rush into surgery. Despite a surgeons best efforts, surgery is not sucessfull one hundred percent of the time, and it may take several months before your knee can get back in action. Moreover, it is also very costly. What happens when your insurance does not cover a substantial knee surgery? - This is something to consider as well.

Knee surgery should only be the last resort when you want to treat a stiff knee after running. That too, it should only be considered after more conservative treatment options such as anti-inflammatory drugs (speak with your physician), knee braces and exercises have been exhausted.