Runners knee commonly affects joggers and other athletes, both professional and amateur alike, who perform activities that require a lot of knee-bending, such as cycling and jumping. Runners knee is not a condition in and of itself, but rather is a general term that is frequently used to describe several different types of repetitive strain injuries, the most prevalent of which are patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). If you are experiencing knee pain in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or another nearby Florida community, the orthopaedic specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group can help.
If you’re wondering what runners knee might feel like, it is typically characterized by pain behind or around the kneecap that worsens when you run, walk, kneel, squat, or even sit – essentially, any movement that requires your knee to bend. Walking downstairs and downhill will especially exacerbate the pain. You might also experience some swelling, along with popping or grinding sensations in your knee.
While most patients recover from runners knee after a period of rest and some stretching, the condition can become chronic. Therefore, it’s best to receive a thorough examination and proper diagnosis by a qualified physician. The highly experienced sports injury doctors at Tampa Orthopaedic specialize in treating a wide range of athletic-related orthopaedic conditions, such as runners knee, golfers elbow, and shoulder separation. We will evaluate your condition and determine whether your knee can be rehabilitated through innovative non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy.
In severe cases of runners knee, surgery may be required. Our Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Murphy, may recommend a knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique through which an athroscope is inserted through small incisions to facilitate the viewing of the interior knee structures on a video monitor. The surgeon can then repair or remove:
- A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- A torn meniscus
- Torn articular cartilage
- Loose portions of cartilage or bone
At Tampa Orthopaedic, your physician will discuss your runners knee treatment options in detail, answer your questions, and help guide your decision. Whether you are a sprinter training for a race or an active senior who enjoys a daily walk, we’ll help you get back on the track as soon as possible.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group today for additional information about runners knee, or to schedule a personal consultation. Our professional and personable staff welcomes patients from South Tampa, New Tampa, Westchase, Brandon, Riverview, Oldsmar, and all other nearby FL communities.
