Runner’s Knee is one of the most common running injuries. You may feel pain when you are running, walking, or climbing stairs. You may even feel pain from runner’s knee when you are just sitting down. Dr. Elsey regularly treats knee pain, we can help you determine what caused the initial injury, what is still causing the pain, and how to treat the problem.
Runner’s Knee is caused when the kneecap shifts to the inside or outside of your knee and begins to rub on the bone underneath. This is also called patellofemoral tracking syndrome. Initially the pain may be more annoying than distressing, but the damage increases with every step you take, causing more pain. The area where the bones are grinding together will often swell, causing noticeable inflammation. As the injury progresses you may find your movement reduced and even a few steps can cause a great deal of pain.
You may be suffering from Runner’s Knee if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling
- Popping or grinding
- General discomfort around the knee joint
- Increased pain when walking down an incline or up stairs
- Pain while walking, kneeling or squatting
- The sudden feeling that your knee can’t support your weight or that it is going to give out
Misalignment in the kneecap is the cause of Runner’s Knee. Poor alignment can have several causes. Since there are several different causes it is important to have an evaluation by a qualified chiropractic doctor to determine the cause of the pain. The kneecap is held in place by tendons and ligaments. The underside of the kneecap is lined in cartilage. If any of these areas are not functioning correctly Runner’s Knee can develop.
Often knee problems are the result of conditions elsewhere in the body. If your hip is not functioning properly you may be putting forces on your knee that cause unnatural movements and can excessively fatigue your muscles, resulting in misalignment and damage. Problems with your ankles or feet can also result in improper movement, muscle fatigue and eventually damage. Being “flat footed” can cause the knee to tilt inward and can lead to Runner’s Knee.
Problems in the sacroiliac joint in the lower back can cause Runner’s Knee. If the sacroiliac joint is restricted it will inhibit the function of some hip muscles. This can force the knee to move inward and will fatigue the muscles that hold the kneecap in position. If the muscles become too fatigued they can let the knee slip too far and eventually the kneecap will rub on the bone instead of the cartilage of the knee.
If you are suffering from knee pain call our office today. We can help determine the cause and determine how to treat the problem!
