If you suffer knee pain after walking and running, you're not alone. Knee pain after these activities is a frequent ailment due to the constant flexing of the knee joint. In fact, one knee syndrome is so common among runners that it is known as runner's knee. Luckily, these conditions usually respond well to non-surgical treatment.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, known commonly as runner's knee, occurs from overuse of the knee. The patella, or kneecap, normally slides along a groove in the femur, the bone in your thigh. When the kneecap makes repetitive contact with the femur, or if the kneecap comes off its track, irritation results. The pain usually feels as if it's coming from behind or around the kneecap. It's often more intense when you go up or down a hill because of the weight and pressure you place on the knee.
Patellofemoral Pain Treatment
Treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome requires you to stop flexing the knee. Your doctor will advise you to ice the knee for 20 minutes at a time and also take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Once you're able to move the knee without intense pain, your doctor will usually suggest you seek physical therapy. A physical therapist will have you strengthen and stretch the muscles that support the knee, mainly the four muscles in the front of the thigh above the kneecap called the quadriceps. These muscles help stabilize the movement of the kneecap.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band, made of thick fibrous tissue, starts at your hip and runs across your knee. Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band becomes irritated from the frequent flexing and friction of overuse. When it's irritated, the iliotibial band causes a pain directly across the knee cap. It is also felt more acutely on steep hills. Initially you'll feel this pain after a run or walk. As the band becomes increasingly irritated, however, you'll begin to feel pain during your activity, and then all the time. The pain can become so intense it will keep you from exercising.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment
Treating iliotibial band syndrome is challenging. Your doctor will tell you to stop flexing your knee and ice it for 20 minutes at a time. The physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or even cortisone shots. Once the swelling and pain lessen, you'll have to work with a physical therapist to first strengthen and stretch the iliotibial band, then strengthen the gluteus medius muscle. Most patients improve within three to six weeks. Unfortunately, physical therapy is not always effective. For those patients it does not help, surgery to snip the iliotibial band where it crosses the knee may be necessary.
