Runner's Knee Utah

Physical Therapy For Runner’s Knee at Rock Run Physical Therapy

Achy knees, sharp pain that increases with activity, and/or dull, throbbing pain are typical complaints of runners. This pain is common in those who have poor form, poor balance, or weak muscles. Typically called “runner’s knee,” there are actually a few unique injuries that can cause similar types of knee pain in runners:

For Injured Workers:

• Patellofemoral Syndrome – This type of injury causes pain in front of the knee, around the kneecap, and under the kneecap. The most common knee injury, patellofemoral syndrome also affects cyclists, climbers, and those who sit for excessive periods of time (desk workers).
• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome – IT Band injuries cause pain on the outside of the knee. The IT band is a huge tendon that runs from the side of your thigh to your knee – if you are running with poor form, this band can become tight, causing a sharp pain when you run.
• Pes Anserine Bursitis – Bursae are small jelly like sacs positioned between bone and soft tissue to reduce friction. Excessive hill running, poor form, and tight hamstring muscles can cause friction and inflammation in the bursae, leading to a dull pain that is located on the inside of your knee a few inches below your kneecap.

Knee pain caused by running or similar activities is often hard to diagnose on your own. Rock Run physical therapy in Utah specializes in sports physical therapy and runner’s knee is a common injury we see and treat everyday. Often, mild forms of runner’s knee can be treated at home with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevate). If home care does not heal your pain, however, you should consider visiting our office.

Treatment in Layton, Roy and Syracuse

With the proper guidance from a Rock Run Utah physical therapist, you can have your injury sorted out in no time. After you have been evaluated, your physical therapist will design a personalized program for your injury. Most runner’s knee physical therapy exercises focus on strengthening the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. By strengthening these muscles and improving flexibility, less stress is put on your knees when running, cycling, or jumping. At Rock Run, our goal is to have you running injury free. When you visit our office, you can heal your current injury and continue the sport you love pain free. For the best physical therapy in Utah for runners, contact us today.