Runner’s Knee Treatment in New Jersey

Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a broad term for pain that occurs around the kneecap (also called the patella). There are several different causes and symptoms of runner’s knee, and various treatment options are available. 

Runner’s knee is most common in people who run or play sports that involve running, jumping, or other activities with repeated bending of the knee. Runner’s knee is more common in women than men, especially middle-aged women; it is also quite common in teens and young adults.

Runner’s Knee Causes and Symptoms

There are several potential causes for runner’s knee:

• Overuse: Running, jumping, and other activities can put repeated stress on the knee joint. This can irritate the tissues in and around your kneecap.

• Injury: Direct hits to the knee can cause the kneecap to dislocate or fracture.

• Muscle weakness or imbalance: When the muscles around your kneecap are too weak or too tight, your kneecap may not stay in the right position. 

• Foot problems: Hypermobile feet, flat feet, and overpronation (when your foot rolls down and in when you take a step) can all lead to runner’s knee.

• Chondromalacia patella: This condition occurs when the cartilage in your kneecap softens and breaks down; it can lead to pain and discomfort in the kneecap.

• Surgery: Knee surgery increases the risk of developing runner’s knee. 

The main symptoms of runner’s knee are pain and discomfort around your kneecap. This pain and discomfort may become more severe or noticeable:

• When you bend your knee, especially while actively running, jumping, or squatting
• When you sit for a long period of time with your knees bent
• When you walk downhill or downstairs
• When you touch your kneecap

You may also experience weakness after sitting for long periods of time. Swelling in the knee, popping noises when you move your knee, and a grinding feeling when you move your knee are also common symptoms. 

Diagnosis and Risk Factors

Runner’s knee has several potential causes; diagnosing runner’s knee involves determining what is causing the pain and discomfort in the knee. Your doctor may take several steps to diagnose your runner’s knee and its causes:

• Evaluating your medical history, including surgeries, injuries, and other occurrences which may have led to runner’s knee, such as sprains and fractures around the kneecap. Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle, including questions about any sports you play and your exercise routine

• A physical examination may include a visual examination for swelling, deformity, and fluid build-up. Your doctor may also feel in and around your knee for tenderness; they may also bend and straighten your knee to check for creaking or grinding sounds. 

• X-rays and other scans like MRIs may be used to get a better look at your joints; this generally only occurs if a physical examination leads the doctor to believe there is a more serious problem causing your runner’s knee

There are several different risk factors for runner’s knee. You may be more prone to developing runner’s knee based on your:

• Age: Teens and young adults are more likely to develop runner’s knee, especially if they are playing certain sports. In older adults, arthritis is the most common cause of runner’s knee.

• Gender: Females are much more likely to develop runner’s knee than males.

• Physical activities: Sports and exercises that involve repeatedly running or jumping can put stress on the knees, which can lead to runner’s knee.

• Weight: People who are overweight are more prone to developing runner’s knee. 

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies

There are several ways to treat runner’s knee, depending on its cause and its severity. These treatments can help reduce knee pain and lower the risk of developing runner’s knee again. Some of the most common non-surgical treatment methods include:

• Resting your knee: The first step in managing runner’s knee is reducing how often you use your knee. Avoid exercises and sports involving jumping, running, squatting, or lunging, and abstain from sitting and standing for extended periods of time until your runner’s knee is treated.

• Ice your knee with cold packs to reduce runner’s knee pain and decrease swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to reduce direct contact between the ice pack and your skin. Ice your knee for 20-30 minutes every few hours for 2-3 days, or until the pain and swelling are gone.

• Take pain medication to reduce pain; NSAIDs like ibuprofen can also help to reduce swelling.

• Use supportive braces or taping to reduce pain and keep your kneecap supported.

• Use arch supports or orthotics if the position or shape of your feet is causing runner’s knee. Poor foot support can aggravate runner’s knee. 

• Work with a physical therapist to facilitate strengthening your thigh muscles and improving stability. Proprioception exercises and other physical therapy exercises to help improve balance, form, and body awareness may also help to treat runner’s knee.

When non-surgical interventions fail, surgery may be necessary, especially if there are conditions like chondromalacia patella affecting your knee. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove damaged and frayed cartilage. Realignment surgery may be utilized to reduce abnormal pressure on the knee and bring your kneecap back into alignment. Other surgical interventions are available; the one that will be most effective depends on the condition causing your runner’s knee.

Preventing Runner’s Knee: Tips and Lifestyle Adjustments

There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk your risk of developing runner’s knee:

• Reduce your weight if you are overweight to limit stress on your knee.

• Wear proper footwear with good shock absorption. Replace old shoes regularly. 

• Warm up before you exercise or play sports.

• Stretch regularly, especially before or after you exercise or play sports.

• Slowly increase the intensity of your workouts, instead of quickly adding weight or new exercises.

• Try wearing a knee brace if your doctor recommends it.

• Visit a physical therapist regularly.

Expert Care for Runner’s Knee

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, we offer a wide range of care for patients suffering from runner’s knee. Our doctors will diagnose your runner’s knee, as well as its causes. From there, we will make a number of recommendations, giving you options for treatment and care. We offer both non-surgical and surgical interventions for treating and managing runner’s knee. 

Contact and Consultation

The team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey can help treat your runner’s knee. Don’t live with knee pain; call us at 201-751-2301 or book online with us today, and make your knee pain a thing of the past.