Diagnosing Runner’s Knee

23 Mar Diagnosing Runner’s Knee

Knee pain can affect you no matter how old you are. Knee pain can make even the simplest everyday tasks difficult. Ice and rest don’t always heal the pain. If you are experiencing knee pain, you may benefit from going to Physical Therapy on Long Island with All-Star Physical Therapy. 

What is Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s knee refers to the pain centered around the kneecap/ patella. The pain is caused by stress on the surrounding muscles around the kneecap. Although it’s called runner’s knee that doesn’t mean this only occurs in runners. Running is the main activity, but other factors include walking, biking, skiing, and jumping. If you believe you are experiencing runners knee or have other significant knee pains then consider physical therapy on Long Island as an option for from All Star Physical Therapy!

What Causes Runner’s Knee?

• Injury to the kneecap
• Dislocated kneecap
• Flat feet/ fallen arches
• Tight thigh muscles
• Arthritis
• Weak hips and quads
• Tight hamstrings
• Overuse/ Excessive training

Symptoms

• Aching pain around the kneecap.
• Pain in and around the thighs.
• Knee Swelling
• Knee cracking/ popping

Diagnosing Runner’s Knee

If you are experiencing pain in and around your knee, you must visit a doctor. If left untreated, symptoms and pain will worsen. After an examination by the doctor, you may need to get an X-Ray, MRI, or CT Scan. Once coming to a proper diagnosis the next step is coming up with a plan for treatment of your condition. All Star Physical Therapy will provide an efficient and effective treatment plan and physical therapy on Long Island will help you heal!

How can Runner’s Knee be Treated?

More often than not, Runner’s Knee can be treated using the RICE method:

• Rest: Take a break from running/ walking. Stay off your feet.
• Ice: Apply ice to the affected area. This will reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage or leg-sleeve to help reduce swelling.
• Elevate: Keeping your leg elevated will help limit the swelling and pain. 

You may also take over the counter prescription pain relief medications to help reduce pain and swelling. 

Stretching before and after you run or workout can help prevent knee pain. It is important to know that you should never have an intense increase in your workout regimen. This will make your knee more susceptible to injury. Also, make sure you are wearing appropriate running shoes. 

Physical Therapy on Long Island

If you are still experiencing pain after trying the suggested methods above, you may benefit from physical therapy on Long Island with All-Star Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy will help target the weak/ tight muscles around the kneecap and work to strengthen and loosen those muscles. The average recovery time is around 6 weeks. To schedule an appointment with us, please call or visit our website.