Have you ever finished a run, only to wind up with a dull, aching sensation around your kneecap? If so, you may have patellofemoral pain syndrome. Commonly referred to as runner’s knee, this condition can quickly sideline your training by causing intense knee pain. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at runner’s knee, including its causes and symptoms. We’ll also review treatment options and how our knee pain clinic can help you.
What is Runner’s Knee and What Causes It?
Runner’s knee is a common condition characterized by pain around the front of the knee, particularly where the kneecap (patella) meets the thigh bone (femur). While it’s often associated with running, it can result from any activity that puts repetitive stress on the knee (including squatting, jumping, and even prolonged sitting). Here are some common contributing factors:
- Overuse: Running excessively, suddenly increasing your workout intensity, or not resting properly can strain the knee joint.
- Poor running technique: Improper technique, such as poor knee alignment or poor posture, increases the risk of injury.
- Muscle imbalances: Muscle weakness, particularly in the quadriceps, glutes, and hip stabilizers, can affect knee position when running.
What Are the Symptoms of Runner’s Knee?
The most common symptom of runner’s knee is pain in and around the kneecap, especially during physical activity. In addition, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Rubbing, grinding, or clicking sounds when bending or straightening the knee
- Pain after sitting for long periods of time
- Weakness, instability, or limited range of motion around the knees
- Tender sensation around the kneecap
How Can You Prevent Runner’s Knee in the Future?
If you run regularly, it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of runner’s knee. Here are some helpful tips:
- Stretch before running: Stretching before you run helps increase blood flow and prepares your muscles for impact.
- Maintain proper form: Proper form is key to reducing knee strain. Keep your posture upright, bend your elbows at 90º, and avoid overly long strides.
- Do strength-building exercises: Strengthening the muscles that surround the knee, such as the quads, glutes, and hips, can improve alignment and reduce strain. Helpful exercises include squats, lunges, and bridges.
- Wear supportive footwear: Cushioned shoes that properly support your foot can help prevent injuries.
- Avoid hard surfaces: Concrete sidewalks and asphalt roads are harsh on the joints. For longer runs, try to mix in softer trails or grass.
When Should You See a Specialist for Runner’s Knee?
In some cases, adjusting your running routine is enough to prevent patellofemoral pain syndrome. In other cases, you may need more hands-on support. You should consider seeing a specialist for runner’s knee if you experience the following:
- Pain that persists past a few weeks
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home treatments
- Pain that interferes with daily activities
- Swelling, instability, or locked knees
What Are the Best Treatments for Runner’s Knee?
Are you looking for professional runner’s knee treatments? At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we treat knee conditions through minimally invasive pain management techniques. Our clinic offers a wide variety of personalized knee pain treatments, including the following:
- Injection-based therapy: Our injection treatments encourage healing by stimulating cell growth in impacted areas. We provide three main options, each of which relieve pain through different means.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: This injection uses hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that lubricates the knee joint.
- Growth factor injections: Growth factor injections use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own blood to quicken healing.
- Steroidal-based injections: As the name suggests, this treatment injects steroids for rapid pain relief.
- Cryoneurolysis: Cryoneurolysis uses freezing cold temperatures to disable nerves that transmit pain signals, resulting in quick knee relief. It also makes it easier for patients to build knee strength and stability.
- Physical therapy: Our treatment plans are paired with physical therapy, which involves strengthening the knee joint through stretches, balance training, and tailored exercises. All plans are customized to the patient’s evolving needs, helping ensure the best results possible.
- Bracing & supports: If necessary, we may suggest wearing a knee brace. Not only do braces keep weight off the knee, but they also stabilize the joint and reinforce balance.
Discover Expert Knee Pain Treatments at MAPS
Whether you’re an avid runner or a total novice, it’s incredibly common to experience runner’s knee. While some cases can be resolved through at-home methods, others require professional treatment. That’s where MAPS comes in.
Our team specializes in high-quality, non-surgical solutions that deliver increased strength, stability, and long-term pain relief. We’ll start by carefully assessing your condition, including your unique symptoms and medical history. Then, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan geared toward your well-being. Interested in learning more? Schedule an appointment with our knee pain doctors today!