Runner’s Knee
Runners Knee is cartilage deterioration of the knee cap. Cartilage does
not receive nourishment from blood flow like bone does. The waste
material from cartilage is cleared by intermittent compression that
cleans it up and then receives the blood supply from the vascular
system.
The kneecap is a movable bone that is attached to ligaments and
tendons around the knee. The knee cap moves during running without
touching the thigh bone. Runner’s knee deterioration may be caused by
the knee cap being placed too high on the leg, by weak thigh muscles,
or by a tight hamstring pull or Achilles tendon injury. Sometimes the
cause may be from too much inward rolling of the feet when walking or
running.
Pain usually starts while running and particularly while running
downhill; however, if it persists, it will be painful all the time when
running or walking. Treatment consists in discontinuing running.
Other exercises can be substituted as long as they are not weight
bearing such as bicycle riding or other exercises that do not cause any
pain. If the injury persists, a doctor experienced in sports
injuries should be consulted for the best treatment. If it
persists without proper rest and treatment, the kneecap will eventually
be destroyed and the kneecap will rub against the bone with no cushion.
The doctor may advise to get different shoes, arch supports or other
options.
