Top Running Injury No. 8: Runner’s Knee

This is the eighth in a 10-part series outlining some of the most common injuries suffered by runners.

Most runners, at one time or another, have to deal with some sort of pain and discomfort – this, unfortunately, is the side effect of participating in the activity that you love. One particularly difficult condition is known as runner’s knee.

This takes place when the portion of cartilage underneath the kneecap incurs damage. This cartilage acts as a type of shock absorber, and can undergo substantial wear and tear when performing activities such as running and jumping. Medi-Dyne would like to share some information regarding this condition, and the treatments available should you have it.

Causes

Runner’s knee can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common.

• Stress – When the muscles that surround your knees don’t function as they should, that can put additional stress on your kneecap.
  
• A Specific Injury – If your kneecap is already injured, due to a problem such as a dislocation or a fracture, that can eventually cause runner’s knee as well.
• Other Factors – Age, lifestyle and even gender can all play a role in causing the condition.

2Steps to Pain-Free Running

If you experience any sort of dull pain in the front of your knee that worsens over time, you find it hard to walk up and down stairs without pain, or you feel increasing pain when you squat or kneel, you may have runner’s knee.

Fortunately, Medi-Dyne and several sports retailers are working together to provide relief. Find your local Medi-Dyne 2Steps Pain Free Zone and you’ll see products such as the Cho-Pat® Original Knee Strap, which tightens and stabilizes your kneecap so that you can stay in the game. Learn more by visiting our store or calling 1-800-810-1740.

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