Runner’s Knee: Do I Need Surgery? Remedies And Recovery Time

What Is Runner’s Knee?

The official term for runner’s knee is patellofemoral pain syndrome. While a bit of a mouthful, the condition is when there is pain at the front of the kneecap or patella. People who are active runners, or jump frequently, have a higher chance of developing the condition. For many people, simply resting and icing the knee can help to alleviate the condition. But for some individuals, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary to treat a runner’s knee.

Preventative measures are best

While at-home and medical treatment can ease and reverse the discomfort of runner’s knee, one of the best options is to engage in preventative measures. Focus on building strength in the hip and quad muscles, as well as avoiding deep squats that can place unnecessary pressure on the knee. Be sure to properly warm-up before intensive exercises or work by engaging in at least five minutes of light activity. Stretch to improve flexibility and work up gradually to more intensive performances. Likewise, be mindful of footwear and form, as shoes that lack shock absorption can contribute to runner’s knee and poor physical form during activities can exacerbate joint discomfort.

Home care techniques

For some people, runner’s knee is a condition that can be managed and treated at home with no outside medical interventions needed. At-home care centers around the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. RICE can help to speed recovery. Be sure to ice the knee after the injury occurs for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for a few days or until the pain is no longer felt. Additionally, taking NSAIDs can help with pain and swelling unless an individual has an underlying condition where the medication can cause adverse effects.

Physical therapy for runner’s knee

For some people, home care may not be enough to fully recover from a runner’s knee diagnosis. As a result, some physicians may recommend that patients enroll in physical therapy to help rehabilitate the knee, improve mobility and range of motion, and teach proper techniques for lifting weights or maintaining proper alignment throughout the body to avoid future injuries. Strength training with proper lifting and positioning techniques is a great way to effectively treat runner’s knee and minimize the associated pain.

When physical therapy isn’t enough

In some cases, physical therapy isn’t enough to effectively correct a runner’s knee injury. For individuals who fall in a more severe category of the condition, surgery may be the only option for realigning the kneecap or to remove damaged tissue in the joint as a way of reducing knee pain.

Recovery timeline

Every person is different, which means that while some people may recover fairly quickly from runner’s knee, other individuals may need more time. Timelines can range from as short as 2 weeks to as much as 6 weeks or more depending on the severity of the condition and an individual’s dedication to following the recommended guidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. If the idea of not being able to run the trail or in the gym is too much to bear, follow the physician’s recommendations to minimize downtime and get back to an active lifestyle.