Runner’s Knee Treatment Options
Runner’s knee is frustrating at best, debilitating at worst. Finding the right runner’s knee treatment can stop pain in its tracks, before it takes you out of the race. Research your rehabilitation options thoroughly to find the right choice for you and your lifestyle.
Do I Have Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee refers to a common repetitive strain injury called patellofemoral syndrome. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition that involves pain in front of the knee and around the patella (kneecap). Like most injuries, the level of pain can vary, but severe cases can become so excruciating that even the simplest day-to-day activities are a challenge.
Read more about runner’s knee symptoms on our blog.
Every year, runner’s knee affects one in four people. It affects adults and adolescents alike, but women commonly report symptoms twice as often as men.
How Can I Prevent Runner’s Knee?
About 80% of running injuries are due to overuse. It is no surprise that runner’s knee often occurs due to a sudden uptick in activity. Whether you increase frequency, intensity or duration of exercise, doing too much, too soon can take a toll on your knees and lead to patellofemoral syndrome.
Any activity that involves a repetitive bending or flexing (jogging, jumping and sports like soccer and basketball) can lead to irritation in the surrounding soft tissues of the knee. But, you don’t have to be a runner to get runner’s knee (or even an athlete). Other factors can contribute to PFPS, such as flat feet, misaligned hips and muscular imbalances.
Runner’s Knee Treatment and Physical Therapy in NJ
What are some runner’s knee treatment options? First, avoid activities that irritate the knee joint. This is an optimal way to give runner’s knee time to heal. It’s difficult to predict how much time an individual will need to take off due to the complex biomechanics and unique situations involved, but “running through the pain” will only make things worse.
In general, runner’s knee treatment includes four to six weeks of non-aggravating activities, coupled with physical therapy exercises. Runner’s knee PT may include manual therapeutic techniques, stretching and strengthening, neuromuscular reeducation to restore stability, and other modalities, such as ultrasound.
If you’re looking for runner’s knee treatment to find relief and get back in the race, give us a call at1-732-444-3578 to schedule your no-obligation appointment at one of our 23 convenient New Jersey clinics.
Learn more about knee conditions and injury prevention.
Twin Boro Physical Therapy: Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey
Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 39 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques are incorporated into effective evidence-based practice. We deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.
It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.
