The first thing that comes to mind is, "What is Runner's Knee?" Let me clarify:

First, it's not just for runners. Also, it's not a specific injury. Runner's knee is a broad term for the pain you feel when you have a knee problem. Doctors may call it patellofemoral pain syndrome. 

Runner's Knee

Runner's knee is a general term used to describe any of several conditions that cause pain around the kneecap. These diseases include anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, chondromalacia patella, and iliotibial band syndrome. As the name suggests, running is a common cause of a runner's knee, but activities that repeatedly load the knee joint can cause this condition. , including football.

Causes Of Runner's Knee

Understand the different causes of a runner's knee and how they affect your current physical condition. 

• You have Inadequate foot support in running shoes.
• Your running stance bends the foot inward while the hamstrings pull the kneecap.
• Your strenuous exercise puts a strain on your knees.
• You suddenly increased the run length or the number of running days per week.
• You suffered trauma and a knee injury. Playing sports that involve jumping, such as soccer or basketball (jumper's knee)

Symptoms Of Runner's Knee

You know enough about runners' knees. But how do you perceive pain? If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have runner's knee:

You may feel pain when:

• Walk
• Climb the stairs, climb the stairs
• Squat
• Kneel
• Run
• While sitting or standing
• Sitting for long periods with bent knees
• Other symptoms include swollen, cracked, or cracked knees.

Iliotibial band syndrome is most painful on the outside of the knee. It is where the iliotibial band, which runs from the hip joint to the lower leg, connects to the tibia, or the thicker inner bone of the lower leg.

Treatment Of Runner's Knee

Your doctor will tailor treatment to the underlying cause, but in most cases, a runner's knee can be successfully treated without surgery. In most cases, the first step in treatment is the practice of RICE.

Rest: Avoid repetitive strain on your knees.

Ice: To reduce pain and swelling, place an ice pack or packet of frozen peas on your knee for up to 30 minutes to keep it warm.

Compression: Wrap the knee with an elastic bandage or cuff to reduce swelling, but do not make it so tight that it swells below the knee.

Elevation: Place a pillow under your knees when sitting or lying down to prevent further swelling. 

If the swelling is severe, raise the leg above the knee and raise the knee above the heart level.

If you need more pain relief, you can take certain over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, may also help. We recommend that you consult your doctor before taking any of these medications, especially if you have any other health condition or are taking other prescription medications.

Once the pain and swelling subside, your doctor will recommend specific exercises and physical therapy to restore your knee's strength and range of motion fully. They can tape your knee or give you a splint to provide additional support and pain relief. You may also need to wear an insole called a brace.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You In Runner's Knee

Physical therapy is the most common and effective treatment for a runner's knee. Cary's physiotherapy improves posture and joint mobility, reduces pain, and allows you to participate in daily life with less pain.

• Strengthening

Cary's physiotherapist will introduce exercises that target the hips (especially the glutes and thigh muscles), the knees (especially the quadriceps on the front of the thigh that extend the knee), and the ankles. Strengthening these muscles can help reduce the pressure on your knees when performing everyday activities.

• Stretching

Your physical therapist will also select exercises that slightly stretch the hip, knee, and ankle muscles. Improving the plasticity of these muscles can help reduce irregular pressure on the knee and patella.

• Positional Training

Based on your activity level, your physical therapist will help you properly shape and position your body to reduce unnecessary forces on your kneecaps during activities such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, squatting, and jumping. This type of training is especially effective for athletes.

• Activity-based Exercises

Suppose you need help performing specific daily activities or are an athlete wishing to return to a particular sport. Your physical therapist will recommend a customized exercise plan to restore your strength and performance levels. 

Final Words

You've learned enough about runners from this article. If you're struggling with this or looking for knee pain relief, try to get some help with physical therapy. GTS physical therapy is the best when it comes to providing knee pain relief in mountain home. Nearby patients are relieved of various ailments faster and more effectively. Here are the best things about her treatment: It's non-invasive and affordable. Go heal your pain now.