Treat Runner’s Knee

As an avid runner for sports or personal health, being sidelined for painful knee symptoms can hamper an active lifestyle. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or runner’s knee, is a broad term used to describe numerous knee issues. With many people, running is not the contributing factor. To treat runner’s knee will depend on the degree of the specific injury creating the pain and limiting movement.

Specific Diagnosis

In order to treat runner’s knee, an accurate diagnosis of the condition will need to be made. The knee issues can be from numerous other causes, including:

• Over using the knee with high demanding jobs or other activity that creates a lot of knee bending or walking
• An injury or trauma to the knee area due to an accident
• Problems related to muscles or feet can contribute to runner’s knee
• The knee cap has been jarred out of position

Each individual will have different reasons and symptoms contributing to runner’s knee.

Symptoms

The symptoms of runner’s knee will vary with each person. Usually the first indicator of a problem is pain.

• Pain around the kneecap area
• Pain behind the knee
• The experience of pain when bending, walking or other activity
• The pain will increase with certain activities including walking down a small set of stairs

Along with pain, a person may experience swelling or a grinding sensation around the knee area. The symptoms should be discussed with a knee specialist to determine how to treat runner’s knee.

Treatment Options

To treat runner’s knee, the orthopedic specialist may offer a variety of approaches beginning with non-surgical methods.

• Rest the injured area. The best possible way to help the human body with the healing process is by resting.
• Consider using crutches to help keep the weight and the knee immobilized while healing.
• Ice the knee to help reduce swelling and ease the pain. The ice should be placed on the knee for around 20 minutes every three hours unless otherwise directed by a health care professional.
• Prescription or over the counter pain relievers may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms.
• Keep the knee elevated when sleeping or relaxing. Try placing a pillow underneath the knee to help with this process.
• Use braces or other support devices to help give the knee extra support and limit movement while healing.
• Physical therapy or other prescribed exercises may be used to help strengthen the injured area.

In more severe cases, the only way to treat runner’s knee may be with surgery. Deciding to proceed with surgery should be done with guidance of a top orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon can discuss the surgery option to correct the placement of the knee cap or repair any other forms of cartilage damage.

In the Orange County area, Dr. Howard Marans will aid a potential patient in the proper way to treat runner’s knee to achieve an optimal outcome. Dr. Marans will design a treatment program for each individual patient. When applicable, he will start with non-surgical options before proceeding with surgery. Dr. Marans accepts PPO and will work with other insurances to give a patient the best care without a financial burden. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.