If you’re living in pain due to a runner’s knee, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry in Crestview & Fort Walton Beach, FL offers customized care to help you get back to life.
Runner’s Knee: What It Is and What Causes It
Runner’s knee isn’t exactly a condition itself. Instead, it’s a symptom caused by a few different conditions.
What Exactly Is Runner’s Knee?
Runner's knee is defined as pain in or around the knee. This pain might be a dull ache, tenderness, or both. And you might hear clicking or feel a rubbing or grinding sensation.
What Causes It?
Runner's knee is called such as it is typical among runners. It’s caused by overuse of the soft tissues surrounding the knee joint, which runners often deal with. However, sports like soccer, skiing, cycling, or any that require jumping can create the same effect. Women, professional athletes, and younger people are more likely to develop runner’s knee than other groups.
In addition to overuse, there are a few other potential causes of runner's knee. In some cases, a misalignment between the ankle and hip creates pain. In others, foot mechanics or a knee injury are to blame. It might also be due to the knee’s cartilage breaking down.
Prevention and Treatment of Runner's Knee
In many cases, a few steps can go a long way in preventing this knee pain, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight to decrease the pressure on your knee
- Wearing shoes that fit right and support your feet – or using custom orthotics
- Strengthening weakened muscles to ensure your weight is balanced
- Stretching and warming up before exercise or other activity
- Using the proper techniques when running or completing other exercises
If you develop runner's knee, it’s important to visit your podiatrist as soon as possible. Treatment can include anything from custom foot orthotics and exercise adjustments to massage therapy and more.
Leave the pain of runner's knee in your past by visiting Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry in Crestview & Fort Walton Beach, FL. You can reach the Fort Walton Beach, FL, office by calling (850) 862-4119, or in Crestview, FL, by calling (850) 682-6522, so call today.