As a physical therapist and runner, I see many people with knee injuries where the real problem is actually elsewhere along the kinetic chain– usually in the hip. Think of it this way… our quads and hamstrings are the larger muscles that do the big work, but our hip abductors (namely our gluteus medius) do the fine-tuning that keeps our core/pelvis aligned and injury-free. So when these smaller stabilizers don’t do their job, our knees, ankles, and feet suffer.

Do a quick search for glute strength exercises (pistol squats, deep lunges, single-leg bridges). Integrating them into your cross-training days can add stability to anyone’s form, especially with knee problems. It might not address the current pain, but it’ll help prevent it in the long run pain.

Hope this helps and happy running!