What is Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s knee can be a misleading concept, as many individuals believe that it is a condition specific to only runners. However, runner’s knee is actually a general term that comprises many conditions with similar symptoms, which can affecLos Angeles sports medicine doctort any athlete who regularly and consistently participates in activities that require a lot of knee bending.

When it comes to runner’s knee, are you familiar with typical causes, symptoms, and treatments? If not, you can greatly benefit from learning more about this common occurrence.

What Causes Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s knee isn’t caused by one specific activity. Rather, it can be the result of numerous different causes, including:

  • Trauma – If you fall or are hit, you may experience runner’s knee.
  • Overuse – Bending your knees frequently can irritate nerves around your kneecap, or may even overstretch your tendons, resulting in discomfort.
  • Foot Problems – Flat feet can overstretch the muscles and tendons around your knees, causing the pain around your kneecap.
  • Misalignment – Evenly distributing stress throughout your body is essential to preventing pain and injury. If your bones are out of alignment, you might be forcing too much weight and pressure on certain structures, causing you pain.
  • Other Body Structures – If you have weak thigh muscles, you’re also at risk for runner’s knee.

What Does Runner’s Knee Feel Like?

There are many symptoms of runner’s knee that you might be aware of, and possibly some that you may not be as familiar with. Typical symptoms to look for if you suspect that you’re suffering from runner’s knee includes:Beverly Hills sports medicine doctor

  • Pain – While you might expect pain to be associated with runner’s knee, there are different areas in which it might occur. Generally, pain will be obvious behind and around the kneecap, will become exacerbated when you bend your knee, and may become worse when you’re walking downstairs or even on a decline.
  • Swelling – Swelling typically accompanies pain if you have runner’s knee, which will be obvious around the kneecap.
  • Grinding – Another common symptom to remain mindful of is a grinding sensation that you might feel in your knee as a result of your condition.

Understanding Runner’s Knee Allows You to Seek Proper Treatment

Sports Medicine Doctor Beverly HillsBy recognizing the telltale signs of runner’s knee, you can better determine a treatment that is proper for your symptoms and the severity of your injury. Knowing that runner’s knee is not one condition, but rather a cluster of disorders with specific causes and treatments is one of the most important things to remember, as it means that you can recognize your needs early to prevent your condition from getting worse over time.