Runner's Knee (Chondromalacia Patella) Treatment in New York
What is runner’s knee?
Chondromalacia patella, known as runner’s knee, is the commonly used term for a medical condition called patellofemoral pain syndrome. The problem is common in patients who participate in active sports that involve distance running, jumping, or other high-stress movements that impact the knee joint. Those who suffer from runner’s knee usually complain of a throbbing, aching, or dull pain around the patella (kneecap). While the syndrome is sometimes managed through self-care that can be done at home, other times the condition requires attention from a medical professional.
At Performance Health in NYC and Pearl River, our board-certified sports medicine physicians and specialists are experts at treating runner’s knee and other injuries. Learn more about our runner’s knee treatments below, or request an appointment using the form on this page.
What causes runner’s knee?
The knee pain associated with runner’s knee is commonly a by-product of one or more of the following causes:
- Excessive stress on the knee, such as running or jumping, can cause irritation under the kneecap.
- Muscle weakness or imbalance, which cause the knee to move differently, can cause unnatural wear and tear over time.
- Prior surgery can increase your risk of suffering from runner’s knee.
- Knee injury, such as a knee fracture, can sometimes cause knee pain even after the injury seems to have healed.
What are the symptoms of runner’s knee?
Any of the following symptoms of runner’s knee may warrant a visit to Performance Health to evaluate your symptoms:
- Aching or dull pain in the front of your knee
- Pain when sitting for long periods
- Pain when kneeling
- Difficulty walking up or down stairs
- Pain under knee cap
What are the risk factors for runner’s knee?
Factors that can increase your risk of developing knee pain due to runner’s knee include:
- Age – Knee pain in older patients is usually caused by arthritis.
- Gender – Women are much more likely to develop runner’s knee than men.
- Sports – Participating in sports that put high levels of stress on the legs and knees increases your odds of developing runner’s knee.
How is runner’s knee diagnosed?
At Performance Health, we will evaluate your current symptoms and medical history during a comprehensive evaluation. This will help us to rule out other potential conditions and determine the exact cause of your knee pain. Our physicians may also recommend one or more diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your knee pain.
What are some runner’s knee treatment options?
Runner’s knee can be managed through a variety of treatment options, which are personalized to suit your exact needs. Some of the runner’s knee treatment options include:
- Physical therapy and myofascial release
- Pain management
- Sports medicine and rehabilitation
- Massage therapy
- Regenerative and alternative medicine
If you are suffering from tendonitis pain, the first step to improving your health and returning to your normal activities is to schedule an evaluation at Performance Health. Our physicians can help you get back to performance-level health. Call one of our New York offices at 212.486.8616, or fill out the form on this page to request an appointment now.