Runner’s Knee: What You Need To Know

At Healthworks, we have assessed and treated many patients with runner’s knee, some are runners, and some are not. Firstly, everyone can get runner’s knee, it isn’t just for runners. Runner’s knee is a broad term for several knee problems. For this article, we are defining runner’s knee as patellofemoral pain syndrome.

What are the symptoms?

• Usually pain in front of your kneecap, though it could be around or behind it
• Bending your knee, walking, squatting, kneeling, running, or even getting up from a chair hurts the knee
• It is aggravated when you walk downstairs or downhill
• Occasional knee swelling
• Popping and cracking sound from knee
• Grinding feeling from knee

Several things can bring it on:

• Overuse. High-stress exercises, like lunges and plyometrics can irritate tissues in and around your kneecap.
• A direct trauma to the knee, like from a fall or blow
• Your bones aren’t lined up (your doctor will call this malalignment). If any of the bones from your hips to your ankles are out of their correct position, including the kneecap, that can put too much pressure on certain spots. Then, your kneecap won’t move smoothly through its groove, which can cause pain.
• Chondromalacia patella, a condition in which th e cartilage under your kneecap breaks down

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor/physiotherapist will take your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. He might also do tests that can give him a closer look inside your joint, like X-rays.

How can it be Treated?

• Rest your knee. As much as possible, try to avoid things that make it hurt worse, like running, squatting, lunging, or sitting and standing for long periods of time.
• Ice your knee to ease pain and swelling. Do it for 15-20 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days, or until the pain is gone.
• Strengthening your hips and knees. Work on improving your hip and knee muscle strength to unload the excessive stress from your knee joints.
• Proper technique. You need to have proper knee mechanics that suits you.
• If you have tried these suggestions and your knee still hurts, get an orthopaedic specialist or a physiotherapist to assess your knee.

When Will My Knee Feel Better?

There are too many factors involved. Everyone heals at a different rate. Your recovery time depends on your body and your injury. As a general estimation to recovery, it normally takes around 3-6 months.

How can I prevent it?

It is important to have proper knee mechanics and our core purpose at Healthworks is to partner with our clients to live a fuller and pain free life.

We are offering our Dorsavi knee assessment at a special price of RM80 (normal price: RM250). Please mention the promo code (Dorsavi) to qualify for the special price. For any inquiries or to make an appointment, please call 03-6211 7533 or email us at contact@myhealthworks.com.my