Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Common Causes of Runner's Knee

1. Overuse: Repeated impact and stress on the knee can lead to the development of runner's knee. This is especially true for athletes and runners who participate in high-impact activities.
2. Weak Muscles: Weak quadriceps and hamstrings can put extra stress on the knee, leading to runner's knee.
3. Poor biomechanics: Running with improper form or wearing shoes that don't fit correctly can cause excessive stress on the knee joint.
4. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis can cause knee pain and increase the risk of runner's knee.
5. Injury - Runner's knee can be caused by a traumatic injury to the knee area.

Symptoms of Runner's Knee

1. Pain: One of the most common symptoms is pain around the knee joint, especially when running or walking up stairs.
2. Swelling: Swelling and inflammation can also occur in the knee joint.
3. Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff or tight, making it difficult to move or bend.
4. Popping or crunching sounds: Some individuals may hear a popping or crunching sound when they move their knee.

Treatments for Runner's Knee

1. Rest and Ice: Rest and ice can help reduce pain and swelling.
2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve overall biomechanics.
3. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can help provide support and stability to the knee joint.
5. Knee Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue and restore normal knee function.

Our physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to help you overcome runner's knee and get back to your active lifestyle. With extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of runner's knee, our physicians use the latest techniques and technologies to get you the results you want. From physical therapy to minimally invasive surgical options, our physicians will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Don't let runner's knee slow you down, schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable physicians today.