Can a Chiropractor Help My Runner’s Knee?
Perhaps you’ve started to notice knee pain from running or knee pain with exercise in general. Surprisingly, runner’s knee isn’t a problem that is solely reserved for runners. Any activity that adds repeated stress to the knee joint can result in kneecap pain, including skiing, jumping, biking, or playing soccer.
So, what’s going on beneath the surface? What can you expect with runner’s knee? And how can a chiropractor help? In this article, we’re going to examine all of this and more.
What Exactly Is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee is, surprisingly, more common in women than men. It also is an umbrella term used to cover a broad range of injuries and problems. The term, “runner’s knee,” can mean:
- Anterior knee syndrome
- Chondromalacia patella
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Or patellofemoral misalignment.
Generally, all of these conditions lead to pain behind the kneecap or pain around the kneecap. This dull pain usually arises when walking, climbing upstairs, squatting, or kneeling. You also might experience swelling. In some cases, grinding or popping of the knee might also occur.
Often, runner’s knee happens due to overuse, structural abnormalities, or direct trauma. Basically, these instances cause irritation to parts of the knee joint, such as the tendons or cartilage.
How Long Does Runner’s Knee Last?
How long your kneecap pain goes for depends entirely on what you do. Once you experience pain, it’s always a good idea to stop the activity at hand. Rest is essential to avoid further aggravation of the knee and the tissues surrounding it.
Initially, using the R.I.C.E. method can help reduce the initial pain and discomfort. R.I.C.E. refers to rest, ice, compression, and elevate. Following this acronym helps decrease pain and swelling, which can help guide you toward a faster recovery time.
Typically, even with the help of a chiropractor, recovering from runner’s knee takes four to six weeks. At the same time, this timeline isn’t set, and again, rest and proper treatment will make a big difference.
How a Noblesville Chiropractor Can Help Runner’s Knee
Since runner’s knee can result from improper alignment of the body, a chiropractor can play a key role in helping you bounce back after injury. At your initial appointment, your Noblesville chiropractor performs an initial assessment, uncovering the cause of your kneecap pain and ensuring the correct treatment is carried out.
From there, your chiropractor determines what chiropractor adjustments and manipulations are best for you and your specific situation. This may involve using adjustments that target the spine, knee, ankle, or hip. By doing so, the body is brought back into proper alignment.
Additionally, your chiropractor provides advice and education regarding dietary changes, future prevention, and exercise recommendations. The overall goal is to help restore function and reduce your pain.
How Can Runner’s Knee Be Prevented?
Your chiropractor is also able to offer preventative bits of advice, helping you avoid the sidelines in the future. Generally, you will be advised to only make small incremental increases in your running or exercise routine. This means avoiding doing too much, too soon. For example, if you’re a runner, it’s recommended to only increase your running frequency, distance, or pace by 10-15% per week. Further, wearing proper running or exercising shoes is essential to help the body maintain proper alignment, preventing injury or pain from happening.
If you’re experiencing kneecap pain and suspect runner’s knee, Anchor Health Chiropractic is here for you. We can help you make a full recovery and get back to your regular activities. Book an appointment today. Anchor Health Chiropractic would love to be your go-to Noblesville Chiropractor.
