How long does runners knee last

Sometimes a change in training is all that's needed. For example, someone who usually runs hills to train can try running on a flat, soft surface instead. A person who has severe pain or pain that interferes with activity for example, if it causes a limp needs to rest the knee until the pain is better. An important part of the treatment for PFP syndrome is improving the strength and flexibility of the legs, hips, and core muscles. Health care providers usually recommend going to a physical therapist to make an exercise plan that will help.

The plan may include stretching , squats, planks, lunges, and other exercises that improve strength and flexibility of the legs and hips. Most people with PFP syndrome need to cut back or stop sports for some time. Follow the health care provider's instructions on when it's safe for you to go back to sports. This usually is when:. It can take months to years for the symptoms from PFP syndrome to get better. Following an exercise plan given by the health care provider or physical therapist can help the knee heal.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Runner's Knee. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome? Tight or weak leg muscles or flat feet can make someone more likely to get PFP syndrome. To diagnose patellofemoral pain syndrome, health care providers: ask about physical activities do an exam Usually no testing is needed.

For pain: Put ice or a cold pack on the knee every 1—2 hours for 15 minutes at a time. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can diagnose runner's knee by looking at your health history and doing a physical exam. X-rays may be needed for evaluation of the knee. While active men and women may be equally likely to get hurt, some sports injuries affect women more often or in different ways. This guide explains the biggest risks active women face and how you can run, play or work out smarter to prevent injury.

The best course of treatment for runner's knee is to stop running until you can run again without pain. Other treatment may include:. Treatment includes not running until the pain goes away. Also using cold packs, compression, and elevation may help.

Medicine such as ibuprofen can lessen pain and reduce inflammation. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Runners suffering from patellofemoral pain rarely require surgery. Usually, a full recovery can be made with non-invasive treatment. For example, if your knee is popping, locking or even giving-way, then it could be that you have a loose body or unstable cartilage defect, for which surgery is often the only option, but trust me when I say these instances are rare.

Outside of this, surgical procedures for typical kneecap pain do not outperform conservative care in clinical trials and quality knee surgeons will usually leave well alone and make a referral to a physiotherapist for treatment. Remember that cartilage change is often unrelated to pain , and that either way, cartilage change as a result of activity takes months and years, not weeks! There are two priorities I have when encouraging an injured runner to take steps to help themselves recover from patellofemoral pain more quickly.

Consider resting from running, or simply reducing your running volume. Training management is key and usually essential to get your pain under control. You can find the article here , and learn more about training errors to should try to avoid!

If nothing else, try reducing the duration of your runs but consider increasing how often you run if you are desperate to maintain your weekly mileage ahead of an event. Increase your muscular strength and endurance. Consider changing the way that you run.