The saying goes, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. Ever wonder why you still get aches and soreness in the knees despite having an active lifestyle? Chondromalacia patella, more commonly known as Runner’s Knee, is a condition that most sports people suffer, although this condition also plagues a healthy person who does not take good care of their knees. The pain is more accurately known as patellofemoral pain. It occurs when the patella, the natural shock absorber in our knees, get injured or overused.
The pain feels like a sore that lasts for a while, sometimes the pain can also be felt as a short, sharp sensation. The pain can usually be felt when you squat for too long and get up, climb up or down the stairs or apply too much pressure on one knee by leaning to one side of your body; kneeling or squatting.
Patellofemoral pain usually affects adolescents and young adults. It also commonly affects sports people who engage in sports that involves jumping and running. Women are also more likely to develop this condition than men as their pelvis is wider apart which increases “the angle at which the bones in the knee joint meet,” according to Mayo clinic.
People who suspect that they are suffering from this condition will be sent for an x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan. Treatments vary depending on the seriousness of the condition. To ease a slight pain in the knee, ice the knee or wear a knee support or knee guard. This will help to align the bones in the knee. If you are a sports person, opt for sports which are gentle on the knee such as swimming or cycling. Other forms of treatment include rehabilitation exercises or taping, where your doctor teaches you how to tape the knee to reduce pain.
For severe cases, patients might have to undergo a knee realignment surgery or Arthroscopy.
There are a few ways to prevent you from developing ‘Runners Knee’. Always warm up before and after any form of exercise. Do more stretching to enhance flexibility. Wear the right shoes when exercising so as to better support your joints during exercise. Lose some weight, excess weight can add on to the stress your knees are already facing. For more preventive measures, Mayoclinic has quite a comprehensive list.
Causes:
1. Overuse. Repetitive stress on your knee joint — such as that sustained during running or jumping sports — may result in patellofemoral pain.
2. Misaligned bones. Patellofemoral pain can occur if the bones in your knee or foot aren't aligned properly.
3. Injury. Trauma to the kneecap, such as a dislocation or fracture, has been linked to patellofemoral pain syndrome.
1. Overuse. Repetitive stress on your knee joint — such as that sustained during running or jumping sports — may result in patellofemoral pain.
2. Misaligned bones. Patellofemoral pain can occur if the bones in your knee or foot aren't aligned properly.
3. Injury. Trauma to the kneecap, such as a dislocation or fracture, has been linked to patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Symptoms:
The pain feels like a sore that lasts for a while, sometimes the pain can also be felt as a short, sharp sensation. The pain can usually be felt when you squat for too long and get up, climb up or down the stairs or apply too much pressure on one knee by leaning to one side of your body; kneeling or squatting.
Are you at risk?
Patellofemoral pain usually affects adolescents and young adults. It also commonly affects sports people who engage in sports that involves jumping and running. Women are also more likely to develop this condition than men as their pelvis is wider apart which increases “the angle at which the bones in the knee joint meet,” according to Mayo clinic.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
People who suspect that they are suffering from this condition will be sent for an x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan. Treatments vary depending on the seriousness of the condition. To ease a slight pain in the knee, ice the knee or wear a knee support or knee guard. This will help to align the bones in the knee. If you are a sports person, opt for sports which are gentle on the knee such as swimming or cycling. Other forms of treatment include rehabilitation exercises or taping, where your doctor teaches you how to tape the knee to reduce pain.
For severe cases, patients might have to undergo a knee realignment surgery or Arthroscopy.
Prevention
There are a few ways to prevent you from developing ‘Runners Knee’. Always warm up before and after any form of exercise. Do more stretching to enhance flexibility. Wear the right shoes when exercising so as to better support your joints during exercise. Lose some weight, excess weight can add on to the stress your knees are already facing. For more preventive measures, Mayoclinic has quite a comprehensive list.
For more details, do consult your physician. If you are suffering from any form of knee pains, do see your doctor to get your knees checked.
Always bear in mind that moderation and comfort are key to safe and effective exercise. Pain and discomfort are indicators that you're overworking yourself, so don't push yourself, or you may find yourself ridden with complications and limitations in the later part of your life.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chondromalacia-patella/DS00777/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chondromalacia-patella/DS00777/DSECTION=causes
http://www.menshealth.com.sg/mh-runners/cure-your-runners-knee
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chondromalacia-patella/DS00777/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chondromalacia-patella/DS00777/DSECTION=causes
http://www.menshealth.com.sg/mh-runners/cure-your-runners-knee
