Do you suffer from Knee Pain when you run?
By North Ryde Physiotherapist Alex Donald
The knee is the largest joint in the human body, being made up of the thigh bone (femur), the top of the shin bone (tibia) and knee cap (patellar). While there are many causes of knee pain, this article will focus on a particular cause of knee pain called Runner’s Knee, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Runner’s Knee is a common overuse condition experienced by many people, especially people who are commonly involved in activities that involve running and jumping.
In this post and video, Physiotherapist Alex Donald from Ryde Natural Health Clinic discusses how common Runner’s Knee is, how you can diagnose Runner’s Knee, and how it can be treated.
How common is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s Knee is a common condition experienced by many people, and is a condition I see often here at Ryde Natural Health Clinic. We see Runner’s knee especially in people who participate in running and jumping sports and activities, however can also be seen in people who have misalignment in their knee, a biomechanical issue, or have overused their knee.
How do I know if I have Runner’s Knee?
You may be experiencing Runner’s Knee if you are experiencing pain in the front/bottom of your knee cap, or your pain is aggravated by activity such as running or jumping. You may also experience a ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’ feeling in your knee, or your pain may worsen when sitting for long periods of time. If you think that you may be experiencing Runner’s Knee, or your pain is worsening, you should book an appointment with a health professional.
What can be done to help with Runner’s Knee?
To help yourself if you are experiencing Runner’s Knee, you should consider resting and taking a break from physical activity, putting ice on the affected area, getting your footwear assessed by a health care professional, and taping the area (as shown in the above video). However, if the pain in your kneecap does not improve or increases, you should consider booking an appointment with your Physiotherapist.
To diagnose Runner’s Knee, your physiotherapist will assess the range of motion of your knee, as well as perform tests on your joints and muscles to try and determine the exact cause of your pain, and therefore determine the best treatment plan for you. If needed, your health professional may send you for further testing, such as an Xray or MRI.
Treatment for Patellofemoral will involve hands on therapy that aims to restore normal movement and function to your knee and its surrounding joints and muscles. Your physiotherapist may also tape your knee, like shown in the video above, or prescribe you exercises specific to your knee pain, such as single leg squats, as demonstrated below.
Where can I learn more about Physiotherapist Alex Donald?
To learn more about Physiotherapist Alex Donald, or to book an appointment, call RNHC Reception on (02) 9878 5021, or head to https://rydenaturalhealthclinic.com.au/services/physiotherapy-north-ryde/.