Runner’s knee becomes more common of a problem for people once they hit middle age. It’s actually a generalized term that describes pain someone feels in the front of the knee. Despite it’s name, it may surprise you that this condition can affect people who don’t run. Fortunately, at Premier Chiropractic Center, serving Bessemer, AL, and the nearby region, we can help, no matter the cause. It helps to know more about the condition and what you can expect from chiropractic treatment for it, though.
General Information
While this issue has been coined runner’s knee because it affects runners most often, you might here our chiropractor refer to it as patellofemoral pain syndrome. It includes a broad range of conditions that affect behind the knee cap, such as chondromalacia patella, iliotibial band syndrome, and patellofemoral malalignments.
With this particular issue, you may have a dull, aching pain behind your kneecap. The pain tends to worsen with movement, including walking up and down the steps, running, walking, or partaking in any exercise that works the knee joint.
You may hear a grinding, clicking, or popping sensation in your knee. This could happen every time a worn out piece of knee cartilage crosses over the bone and then back over.
Although rest may reduce your pain, you may notice that your knees are stiff once you get back up.
Whilst it’s mainly an acute injury, it can become chronic if you continue to do the same activities or wear improper footwear.
Causes of Runner’s Knee
You may have runner’s knee if the soft tissue or lining of the knee becomes irritated, or you strain a tendon. It could also occur from repetitive wear to the cartilage or you tear the cartilage.
You’re most at risk for this condition if you overuse the knees or sustain an injury to one or both of your kneecaps. Other possible factors include the following:
- Flat feet
- Wearing unsupportive shoes frequently
- Kneecap misalignment
- Arthritis
- Weak thigh muscles
- Poor or non-existent stretching routine
Although it’s referred to as runner’s knee, it’s also common in people who cycle, walk, or participate in activities that require frequent jumping.
How a Chiropractic Identifies the Condition
Our practitioner will ask you to complete a medical history form and will ask you questions about your hobbies and job. Dr. Glover will ask about your pain and symptoms. He’ll want to know when the symptoms are more prevalent.
Sometimes, this is enough to know you have runner’s knee. However, if there are other possible causes, our practitioner may order imaging to rule them out.
Treating Runner’s Knee With Chiropractic Care
Our practitioner may recommend you receive an alignment to place the kneecap and joint back into place. Ultimately, this can reduce pain and inflammation. It also mobilizes the knee joint and can prevent irritation and discomfort in the future.
One of the most common treatments we offer for runner’s knee is chiropractic exercises. With these, our chiropractor will ask you to perform certain stretches that work the knee. They slowly move the soft tissue that comprises the knee. By strengthening and improving flexibility in this area, you’ll have less pain and stiffness.
Our chiropractor can offer you advice on natural remedies for pain relief, such as hot and cold therapy.
Prevention is also a crucial part of chiropractic care. We can educate you on how to prevent this problem in the future through proper techniques and supportive footwear.
At Premier Chiropractic Center, serving Bessemer, AL, and the surrounding region, our goal is to help you heal and relieve your pain and suffering from musculoskeletal issues like runner’s knee. We offer natural care and custom-tailor every treatment to your needs.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling 205-519-4024 or using our online form.
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