What is Runner’s Knee?
Serving the Greater Los Angeles County Area including La Verne, Claremont, Glendora, San Dimas, CA
Runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) causes pain around or behind the kneecap. While temporarily, this condition can lead to a variety of challenges. The affected individual may experience mobility problems, a limited ability to workout, and difficulty in completing everyday tasks like showering or tidying up around the house.
If you’re experiencing knee pain, whether due to runner’s knee or another temporary cause, Recovery Lab may be able to help. We have a selection of wellness services that may support your recovery routine.
Runner’s Knee
- Does Runner’s Knee Only Happen to Runners?
No, runner’s knee isn’t just limited to runners. While it can happen to anyone, this condition is more common in certain individuals.
Those who are at a higher risk of developing runner’s knee include cyclists, those who engage in sports regularly, people with flat feet, adolescents going through growth spurts, and older adults.
Apart from age, an active lifestyle, or another condition present, runner’s knee can also occur in those who are sedentary.
- What Triggers Runner’s Knee?
It’s evident runner’s knee doesn’t just happen to runners. So, then, what else besides running can lead to runner’s knee?
Runner’s knee can be triggered by repetitively moving or bending the knee in activities like riding a bike or jumping. Weak hips, legs, or glutes can also put too much strain on the knees, which can lead to runner’s knee. Poor choice in shoes, hypermobile joints, a previous surgery, or improper form during workouts are other potential triggers.
- What Makes Runner’s Knee Worse?
When experiencing runner’s knee, avoid continuing engaging in activities which make your knee pain worse. You’ll also want to avoid sitting or bending your knees for too long, wearing unsupportive shoes, or pushing yourself through the pain.
The best thing you can do is listen to your body. If your knee hurts, take an easy. Pushing yourself too much too fast can possibly lead to worsening conditions.
- What Exercises Help with Runner’s Knee?
While your first assumption might be to rest the affected knee, light exercises may be able to support your recovery. We call this active recovery. This may help support blood circulation and muscle recovery and ease stiffness.
Stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises concerning the glutes, hips, and quads are recommended. Before engaging in these exercises, always make sure to engage in a warmup. Stop or modify your workout if you experience knee pain.
- How Recovery Lab Can Support Those Dealing with Runner’s Knee
We offer multiple wellness services that may support you while dealing with runner’s knee, such as:
- Cryotherapy: May help ease feelings of soreness and support blood circulation as part of your recovery routine
- Mobility Stretching: May help improve range of motion and ease stiffness in the hips and legs to help take stress off the knees
- NormaTec Compression Therapy: May encourage blood flow and lymphatic drainage to support your recovery
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: May support collagen production and circulation as part of your wellness routine
Wanting to support your recovery routine? Contact our wellness facility today to learn more about our services.
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