Runners Knee: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Runners knee is the term used to describe pain dull pain around the front of the knee and patella. This type of pain isn’t just associated with runners but is more of a general term used to describe knee pain otherwise known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Causes of Runners Knee
Knee patella pain is often associated as an overuse injury related to high impact activities such as jumping, running and plyometric exercises. However, it can also be caused by direct hits to the knee, muscle imbalances, feet problems such as overpronation or supination, and degenerative changes to the cartilage of the knee cap.
Symptoms of Runners Knee
The main symptoms people notice with runners knee is pain around the kneecap, which is increased when bending the knees or when going downstairs or downhill. Swelling around the knee after activities or a popping, grinding or clicking sensation in the knee joint may also occur.
Treatment for Runners Knee
If you have runners knee or are experiencing pain around the front of the kneecap, immediately apply ice on the knee to help reduce inflammation. This should give some relief initially before getting treatment. Because there are so many potential causes for runners knee, it’s a good idea to see an allied health professional who can perform the correct tests to determine what is causing your knee pain. Chiropractors, physios or sports remedial massage therapists will be able to treat this type of knee injury.
Based on what is causing the problem you may receive treatment to release the muscles, exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, orthotics or foot support to prevent the feet from rolling in/out and other advice to help the knee to heal quickly. While your knee is healing it’s important to rest and allow the knee to heal. Avoid high impact activities or anything that will aggravate the knee.
Chiropractic Treatment for Runners Knee
If you would like to try chiropractic treatment for runners knee, Dr Miki has many techniques she can use to help with this injury. She does chiropractic adjustments to help with alignment of the knee, feet and hips. Dr Miki is also trained in a number of soft tissue techniques to help release the muscles around the knee such as dry needling, active release technique and trigger point therapy. If you have a knee injury and would like to get it treated, get in touch with our Brisbane chiropractic clinic for more information and bookings.
