Understanding Runner's Knee:
Runner's knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a common condition characterized by pain around the kneecap, particularly during activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs. While it's often associated with running, it can affect anyone who puts repeated stress on their knee joint.
Causes of Runner's Knee:
Several factors can contribute to runner's knee, including:
Overuse: Repetitive stress on the knee joint from running, jumping, or other activities.
Muscle imbalances: Weakness in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hip muscles, can lead to poor tracking of the kneecap. Tightness of quadricep muscles does present as weakness due to fibers not moving properly.
Tightness in the surrounding tissues: Tight hamstrings, IT band, or calf muscles can also affect knee mechanics and contribute to pain.
Foot problems: Overpronation (feet rolling inward excessively) can alter the alignment of the leg and increase stress on the knee.
Misalignment of the kneecap: Structural issues like a shallow groove for the kneecap or a high-riding kneecap can predispose individuals to PFPS.
Symptoms of Runner's Knee:
Pain around or behind the kneecap, which may worsen with activity or prolonged sitting.
Clicking or popping sensation in the knee.
Stiffness in the knee, especially after periods of inactivity.
Swelling around the kneecap.
Is Active Release Technique (ART) a treatment for Runner's Knee?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue therapy that focuses on releasing adhesions and scar tissue in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It's often used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including runner's knee.
How ART May Help:
ART practitioners believe that adhesions and scar tissue can restrict movement and cause pain. By manually breaking up these adhesions, ART aims to restore normal tissue function, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. For runner's knee, ART may be used to address tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, and other tissues surrounding the knee.
Other Treatment Options:
Besides ART, other treatment options for runner's knee include:
Avoiding prolonged activities that aggravate the pain and applying heat to increase blood flow or ice to limit swelling if present.
Strength training: Strengthening exercises to improve muscle balance and flexibility, as well as techniques to improve kneecap tracking.
Medications: Most over the counter medications only manipulate the processing of pain. Pain is a signal from the body that things aren’t right, so please do no ignore this important message.
See a doctor that has a professional focus/connection to your sport
Surgery: Rarely needed, surgery may be considered if other treatments fail to relieve symptoms.
Is your knee pain caused by Runner's Knee?
It's impossible to diagnose the cause of your knee pain without a proper medical evaluation. While the information provided here can help you understand runner's knee, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. They can perform a physical examination, assess your symptoms, and potentially order imaging tests to determine the underlying cause of your pain.
When to seek medical attention:
If your knee pain is severe or persistent.
If you experience swelling or redness around the knee.
If you have difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
If your knee feels unstable or gives way.
For more information about Active Release Techniques and a personalized treatment plan contact Performance Care Stretch Clinic today
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