Runner‘s knee isn’t just for runners, and it’s not one particular injury. It’s a broad term that describes kneecap pain that can result from many different problems. You might hear a doctor call it patellofemoral pain syndrome
Runner’s knee causes pain at the front of the knee, around the kneecap (also called the patella). It‘s common in people who run, jump, or play sports that put a lot of stress on the knees. Some people also call it jumper‘s knee
But it can also happen to people who don’t play sports. Your kneecap can get out of line, causing it to move incorrectly in its groove on your thighbone (the femur). This can wear down the cartilage, a smooth, slippery layer that helps your bones glide easily against each other. That can cause pain.
You might feel a dull ache in your kneecap. It may hurt when you climb stairs, jump, squat, or after you sit for a long time. Some people also notice popping or crackling sounds when they stand up or go upstairs.
Here are some common triggers for runner’s knee:
Runner‘s knee can show up during or after physical activity and may get worse with certain movements. You might notice:
Runner‘s knee can show up during or after physical activity and may get worse with certain movements. You might notice:
To effectively treat your knee pain, your doctor needs to find out what caused it. They‘ll look at your knee, ask about your symptoms, and talk to you about your health history.
Your doctor may ask if the pain feels sharp or dull, and what makes it worse. They might press on your knee and watch how it moves when you walk, squat, or jump. This helps them check how well your knee moves, how strong it is, and where it hurts. They‘ll also look at how your knee lines up with the rest of your leg.
Sometimes, a physical exam is enough to tell if you have runner’s knee. If not, your doctor might order tests such as an X-ray or an MRI. In some cases, they may also use an ultrasound. They will try to rule out other problems, such as osteoarthritis (OA) or an unstable joint, that could be causing your knee pain.
For most people, runner’s knee gets better on its own with time, rest, and self-care. To help relieve your pain and speed recovery, you can:
If these techniques don’t help with your knee pain, ask your doctor if you need to see a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon. It‘s rare, but you could need surgery for a severe case of runner’s knee. An orthopedic surgeon can remove or replace damaged cartilage. In extreme cases, they can fix the position of your kneecap to spread stress more evenly across the joint.
A knee brace gives your knee support and keeps it stable to prevent extra movement or added stress. Some people use them for runner’s knee. But research on their effectiveness has had mixed results.
There are several different types of knee braces. Some that you might use for runner’s knee include:
Knee braces are generally safe, but they can sometimes cause minor issues, such as skin irritation. A brace might not ease your symptoms or prevent injury. Talk to your doctor about what to expect and ask if other treatments might help.
People heal at their own pace. Your recovery time depends on your body and how serious your injury is.
While you get better, you need to take it easy on your knee. That doesn’t mean you have to stop all exercise. Just try activities that won’t strain your joints. For example, if you usually jog, try swimming instead.
Whatever you do, don’t rush things. Resuming workouts too soon can cause more damage to your knee. Wait to return to your regular physical activities until:
You can’t always avoid runner’s knee, but you can lower your chances of getting it. Small changes in how you move or what you wear can help protect your knees:
There are many reasons your knees could hurt after running, ranging from a stress fracture to arthritis to overuse injuries. Running can be hard on your knees due to the repeated impact on the bones and soft tissues in your knees. Runner’s knee is a broad term used to describe kneecap pain, though you don’t have to be a runner to get it.
Runner’s knee can last a few days, weeks, or even a month or two. It depends on how serious the injury is and how well you follow your treatment plan.
See your doctor if the pain doesn‘t improve after a few weeks of rest, ice, compression, and over-the-counter pain medicine. They can figure out the cause of the pain and recommend the best treatment.
Walking can be helpful for runner‘s knee because it‘s a low-impact exercise. But make sure not to walk too fast or too far, as that can put extra stress on your knee. You might also try other gentle activities such as swimming or cycling.
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