How Do You Fix Runner’s Knee?

With social distancing orders set to stay in place, in some capacity, for the foreseeable future, there’s no telling when gyms and other fitness facilities will be able to reopen. This fact has not stopped people from remaining active, as running has quickly become an activity that helps many stay in shape and reduce stress. However, runners new to this activity should be wary of developing the condition known as runner’s knee. This condition can cause copious amounts of pain and require intervention from a top knee doctor in NYC to resolve the issue.  Here at New York Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Roth, our sports medicine expert, can provide you with the care needed to get your knee back to full strength.

What Is Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s knee is an overuse injury that affects the victim’s knee cap, or patellar. As the name would suggest, it is most common amongst runners. However, anyone who pushes their knee joint past what it can handle is subject to developing runner’s knee. Other activities that this condition is linked to includes:

  • Walking
  • Skiing
  • Biking
  • Jumping
  • Soccer
  • Basketball

Symptoms Experienced

The first step in seeking treatment will involve receiving a proper diagnosis of the knee. Sometimes, your body will experience instances of pain that will go away on their own with rest. However, letting a condition like a runner’s knee linger can lead to chronic pain taking place. To prevent this from happening, reach out to our knee doctor in NYC if you begin to experience pain when engaging in any of the following actions:

  • Walking
  • Kneeling
  • Running
  • Your knee is bent for prolonged periods
  • Sitting or standing

Causes

As previously stated, runner’s knee is an overuse injury that affects your knee joint. However, other causes can also lead to the development of this condition. Below are just a few examples of the additional causes of runner’s knee:

  • Direct trauma to the kneecap
  • Misalignment of the joint
  • Having flat feet
  • Weak or tight thigh muscles
  • Not stretching before exercise

Prevention Methods

Before diving into how runner’s knee can be treated, our team would like to offer advice on how to prevent this injury from even taking place, as injury prevention is crucial. Doing so will allow you to stay active without experiencing any pain. Some of the best ways to prevent the development of this condition include the following:

  • Always stay at a healthy weight.
  • Perform a 5-minute stretching routine before any physical activity.
  • Don’t increase the intensity of a workout too quickly.
  • Wear shoes that offer support as well as shock absorption.

Treatment Options With Our Knee Doctor NYC

At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our knee doctor in NYC knows that even after you’ve undergone precautionary methods, an injury can still take place at any time. To ensure lasting pain does not take place, you must seek out treatment from our expert staff right away. While sometimes invasive measures are not needed for treatment, if all else fails, Dr. Roth can perform the surgery required to relieve your pain and get you back to full strength.  Below are some examples of the treatment options our team may recommend:

  • R.I.C.E. Method: This acronym stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. By sticking to a routine consisting of these activities for a few days or weeks, you’ll see a large improvement in your symptoms. 
  • Surgery:  If your knee pain has not dissipated on its own, surgery may be required to correct the issue.  Through a procedure known as a “lateral release,” Dr. Roth will alter the mechanics of the knee to treat the condition.  This procedure involves cutting the problematic ligament to reduce its pull on the patella.  Doing so will improve the functionality of your knee and get the joint back to being pain-free.
  • Physical Therapy: Following your surgery, physical therapy will be needed to make a full recovery.  Physical therapy is an activity-based form of treatment that utilizes stretches and therapeutic exercises to help an area heal itself from within.  Your knee will need to regain strength after the operation, and physical therapy will help you achieve just that.  

Contact Our Knee Doctor in NYC at NYSMI

Here at New York Sports Medicine Institute, our knee doctor in NYC is committed to keeping our patients healthy. Runner’s knee can be a painful condition, but it does not need to last permanently. Dr. Roth has the knowledge and the experience to both help you prevent this injury and treat any symptoms that remain persistent. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

NYSMI