As we all know, exercise is essential to our overall health and well being, but be aware that there are certain precautions that we need to take to prevent injury. In any sport or activity, being pain free and free of injury is essential for speed, endurance and success. In runners, the ankle and knee joints may take a great deal of stress especially when training for a long distance marathon or race.
One of the several common problems that can occur with running is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome also known as “Runner’s Knee.” If you are experiencing a pain behind the knee when walking up and down the stairs, during squatting exercises, after sitting with bent knees for a long periods of time such as when in the movie theatre or when kneeling you may be experiencing symptoms of patelllofemoral pain syndrome. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of this condition is not clearly known but the following may be contributing factors:
- Repetitive aggravating activities and overuse such as with running or jumping sports that puts stress or irritation on your knee joint and increased intensity.
- Muscle weakness in your quadriceps and hip muscles, which causes to move the knee out of proper alignment.
- History of knee surgery.
- Trauma or injury to your kneecap that may result in dislocation or fracture
Although there are certain risk factors in the development of PPS such as young age, female sex and running and jumping sports, prevention still is key in avoiding injury. Things you can do to help is to wear proper fitting shoes, warming up and stretching before exercise, using correct techniques when exercising, strength training focused on your hip muscles and quadriceps and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you are already experiencing these symptoms and want some relief we can help! Whether you are early on in your symptoms or have already given the option of surgery but do not want to go that route, there are ways we can help. Our functional medicine route can help you make the necessary dietary changes to promote an overall healthy balance. Combined with a physical program that will provide pain relief naturally without the use of steroids and therapy that will work hand in hand we can set you up for success in improving your quality of life.
