Knee pain can come on while running and go away when at rest. In fact, this condition has a name and it’s called “Runner’s Knee.” Runner's knee is dull pain around the front of the knee. You may also feel painful rubbing, grinding, or clicking sounds at the kneecap.
The most common cause of runner’s knee is overuse. When the kneecap functions properly in a run, your knee bends and straightens and the patella slides up and down in a groove at the bottom of your upper leg bone. (The patella is a small bone located in front of the knee joint — where the thighbone and shinbone, or tibia, meet. It protects your knee and connects the muscles in the front of your thigh to your tibia.)
With many committed runners, the patella begins to wear out and break down creating friction, resulting in joint pain. The pain doesn’t just go away. It’s needs rest and treatment.
There are some pre-existing conditions that can expedite runner’s knee, including excess weight, less muscle mass, a previous knee injury /or genetics. These factors can cause the kneecap to have to work harder or operate improperly, leading to repetitive rubbing and injury that creates the knee pain.
Another reason your knee(s) may hurt during a run is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by wear-and-tear. Typically, older-aged runners can suffer from osteroarthritis of the knee…and, it’s not limited to just runners. Osteoarthritis of the knee affects many older adults to which they feel pain walking, climbing stairs or just bending at the knees.
Signs of knee osteoarthritis include:
- Pain in the knee
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Limited mobility
- Knee popping or locking
Rest can play a significant role in reducing the pain associated with runner’s knee. For many, treatment can be to simply stop running. About 4-6 weeks rest may be most effective. In addition, the following may also help:
- Icing your knee
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Losing weight
- Modifying your footwear or using orthotics in your shoes
Unfortunately, in some cases, conservative treatment is not effective in healing runner’s knee. In these cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgery for knee arthritis may involve a partial or total knee replacement.
If you are suffering from knee pain that just won’t go away, call Ortho El Paso for a consultation. Our othropedic doctors will properly diagnose and treat your knee pain.
Call 915-249-4000 for an appointment today.
