RUNNER'S KNEE

The knee is subject to enormous workloads and forces during sports activities. The muscles that surround the knee provide mobility and strength to the legs. The entire knee joint is under massive stress during running or jumping, especially when there are imbalances in muscle strength or flexibility. In time, overuse injuries, such as runner's knee, may develop.

The main symptom of runner's knee is a dull, aching pain under or around the kneecap. It is felt when the kneecap repeatedly grinds against the thighbone (femur), the bone behind the kneecap. This causes the cushioning behind the kneecap to break down. The break down of this cushioning is progressive. First, it softens. Then, it might fray, crack, crater, or tear. The pain is most noticeable going down stairs or hills.

Unequal leg length, turned-in thighbones, and flat feet can increase the risk for developing runner's knee. Skiers, cyclists, soccer players, and people who participate in high-impact aerobics classes may also get runner's knee.

The RICE treatment, which means rest, ice, compression, and elevation, can relieve the pain and swelling of runner's knee. Rest the affected area, do not use or bear weight (standing, walking, etc.), until evaluated by provider. Apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. The healthcare provider may suggest using an elastic bandage to the area to help reduce swelling. The affected part should be elevated so it is 12 inches above the heart to help reduce swelling. Seek medical evaluation if the knee pain does not improve with rest and decreased activity. People with knee pain should try to switch to a non-weight bearing exercise like bicycling, swimming, or rowing.

To avoid injury when running, never run straight down a steep hill. Walk down the hill or run down in a zigzag pattern. Lean forward and keep the knees bent. This technique will reduce the risk for knee injury.

The best way to prevent knee problems is to stretch and strengthen the thigh muscles. Things to avoid include:

doing deep knee bends
wearing shoes with cleats in contact sports and
wearing high-heeled shoes

Wear good quality sports shoes with proper arch supports and cushioning. Be sure to replace these shoes when they start to show a breakdown from their normal form.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SPOR3208.rf2 VRS# 7453 Data Version 7.0