It is related to pain around the knee. Running is a common cause of runner’s knee. If a person is involved in any activity that is repeatedly stressing the knee joint, then it can be caused. These activities can be skiing, walking, biking, playing football, jumping, heavy cycling, etc.
The area around the kneecap is called the patella. Here, a person notices the pain for the first time. The common name of these conditions is patellofemoral malalignment, chondromalacia patella, and iliotibial band syndrome.
As per the research of Harvard Medical School, women are more susceptible to this disease than men. Women of middle age are more prone to it. Overweight persons have to be very cautious as it can hit them too easily.
SYMPTOMS
First of all, the person notices little pain around or behind the kneecap, or patella. It is an area where tibia – fibula meets femur.
While walking, ascending or descending the stairs, kneeling, squatting, normal running – sitting – standing up, getting up after a long time of sitting, an affected person starts to feel the ache. Swelling, popping, or grinding in the knee can also be seen.
The iliotibial band is a bit different. The pain occurs most acute on the outside of the knee. It happens due to of iliotibial bands in this area. Note that it runs from the hip to the lower leg, connecting tibia of Tibia-fibula to hip.
CAUSES
Irritation of soft tissue or lining of the knee causes it. Strained muscles, torn cartridge, soft tissue, the pull of tendon are some of the common cause which causes it. Other causes are a strain to the kneecap, overuse of leg muscles, flat feet, dislocation of the kneecap, more than normal weakness or tightness in leg muscles, little stretching before the physical exercise, fracture, arthritis, etc
Synovial plica causes the lining of the joint. These become thickened and inflamed. Pain runs from hip to back and then reaches the most agonizing part, knee. Doctors call it ‘referred pain.’
DIAGNOSIS
A complete history, followed by physical examination is the first step of diagnosis. X-Ray, MRI Scan, CT scan, a blood test can also be done.
TREATMENT
In most cases, it can be treated without surgery. RICE is the mantra for its treatment. These are Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rest means to avoid stress on the knee. Ice means to use ice packs on knees. Heat should be avoided, and treatment should run for 30 minutes. It reduces swelling and pain. Compression means wrapping the knee with elastic bandage or sleeve, which restricts swelling. Elevation means placing a pillow or anything of that sort under the knee, so that it is elavated. Special care should be taken at the time of sitting or lying down. In case of significant swelling, keep the foot high over the knee, above the level of the heart.
Some medicines like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, etc can provide relief. The doctor’s advice medications as per his or her recommendation are always preferred. After the reduction in pain, the doctor can advise specific exercises or physiotherapy. It can help in restoring full strength and angles of motion to the knee. Tape, bandages on, or around the knee is also a form of recommendation. Special shoes can also be suggested. Surgery is the last resort. It is advised generally in the case of cartilage damaged or kneecaps realignment.
PREVENTION
An adage is, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ Here are some of these.
Don’t be overweight. As mentioned above, it is one of the leading causes of it. Five-minute warm-up and after it stretching exercises is a good idea before going for hard physical activity. Be careful in workouts. Always increase the limits of the body gradually. Instant push can cause more troubles. Wearing proper running shoes is highly advised. Quality footwear not only provides comfort but also keeps the pain at bay. If you have flat feet, then wear orthotics. Running should be done on an ideal surface, in a horizontal direction, and stress-free for the knee. Concrete, gravels, zigzag motion, up down on stairs must be avoided.
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