Runner’s Knee in New York, NY

Your Midtown chiropractor may diagnose you with runner’s knee (patellofemoral syndrome) if your kneecap is no longer resting directly on a cushion of tissue covering your knee joint. Direct impact injuries and overuse are the leading causes of runner’s knee. In addition, progressive cartilage deterioration often accompanies runner’s knee and could develop into arthritis as joint and cartilage health worsens.

Your Rockefeller doctor diagnoses runner’s knee by performing a physical examination, evaluating your symptoms and possibly ordering imaging tests like x-rays or CT scans.

Risk Factors for Development of Runner’s Knee

Some people have patellas that are abnormally rotated or tilted, which increases contact with the knee joint groove. Sometimes, physiotherapy may strengthen knee muscles and modify biomechanical properties of the knee to reduce patella/joint friction.

Having a pelvis that drops upon bending your knee may strain knee ligaments and negatively impact positioning of the patella. In addition, feet that roll inward tend to twist your knee inward and cause displacement of the patella. Finally, simple overuse, wear and tear and improper running movements can increase the risk of suffering runner’s knee.

Symptoms of Runner’s Knee

Pain at the forefront of the kneecap is the first sign of runner’s knee. Accompanying symptoms include:

• Pain behind or around the kneecap
• Pain that worsens when you walk, run, squat or kneel
• Increasing pain in the knee if you walk downhill or downstairs
• Knee swelling
• Feeling like your knee is grinding when it bends
• Hearing popping noises when you bend your knee

If you suffer from at least two of these runner’s knee symptoms, schedule an appointment with your NYC or Upper East Side chiropractor for a diagnostic exam. Treating runner’s knee at home only temporarily relieves pain but does nothing to improve and heal the condition.

Treatment for Runner’s Knee

After diagnosing runner’s knee, your chiropractor may develop a personalized, physical therapy program to determine whether your knee is capable of healing itself. Knee braces are also effective at immobilizing the knee while tissues and ligaments heal. As a last resort, surgery is sometimes necessary if knee pain severe and knee movement is significantly reduced.

Keeping the affected knee elevated to increase blood flow to the knee may help increase flexibility and reduce inflammation. Your Rockefeller doctor could recommend exercises that strengthen the hips to facilitate healing of runner’s knee. Taping the kneecap with sports tape is also suggested for promoting realignment of the kneecap and alleviating pain and swelling.

Contact Our Chiropractor for Runner’s Knee Pain Relief

If you think you may have runner’s knee, call Balanced Health Medical today at (212) 755-1717 to make an appointment with a chiropractor specializing in knee, back and neck pain. Our medical center services residents living in the 10022, 10017, 10020, 10036 and 10019 zip code areas.