When you are a runner, there are a few different things that you need to watch out for to make sure you do not get injured or in a lot of pain along the way. One of the conditions that you need to worry about when it comes to running is known as a runner’s knee.
Runner’s knee can happen in the area of the knee and can make moving around and running more difficult overall. Let’s take a closer look at what a runner’s knee is all about and whether insoles for runner’s knee will be the right solution for you.
Running can be good for the heart and make you feel amazing, but it can cause a lot of stress and pain in the body, making it uncomfortable and putting you in a lot of pain. See what treatment options are best to avoid the condition.
What is a Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s Knee, which goes by the name of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, is a pain that happens between the kneecap and the femur, specifically in the space where these two are going to meet. And while it is given its name due to all the runners who develop this pain, it is possible to feel the pain without being a runner.
For example, if you do work that requires you to bend the knees to pick things up, or you walk around quite a bit, then you may notice the runner’s knee pain a bit as well. When you have this condition, you may notice that the pain will get worse when you sit for a long time, squat, go up and down the steps, or run.
The pain from the runner’s knee is going to start out dull and aching on the outside of the leg and the kneecap. It can get worse with time if you don’t get the condition some relief.
Causes of Runner’s Knee
There are a few factors that can cause a runner’s knee if you are not careful. Often this condition is going to be the result of one, or a combination, of some of the following factors that will include
- The extra force that is put on the joint of the knee due to overusing it, from repeated jumping and running, or increasing the intensity of your training. This can stress out the knees and may irritate the nerves of the kneecaps or stretch out the tendons too much.
- An injury to the kneecap, such as a dislocation or a fracture
- Weakness or an imbalance of the knee and hip muscles will cause the kneecap to go out of alignment and will cause the stress of walking and running to go unevenly in the knee joint.
There are also a few factors that will put you at a higher risk for this type of injury as well. Young adults and adolescents are more likely to get this condition as they are growing if they are not careful with the amount of running and movements they do.
What Are the Most Effective Knee Pain Treatments?
Unless there is a more serious health concern to worry about, there are a few simple tips that you are able to follow to give you knee relief and make the pain go as far away as possible. Some of the best ones include
- Do exercises that are going to make the lower body muscles a bit stronger. Do them slowly and listen to your body to ensure that you are not overdoing them.
- Lose weight if you need to. Each pound that you can lose will help reduce some of the burdens you feel on the knees, making them work better.
- Avoid repetitive stress on the joints of the knee. If you are doing repetitive motions as a runner or an athlete, then a pair of supportive shoes and a pair of orthotics can be the best solution.
- Look for insoles or custom orthotics that can provide a combination of support, cushioning, and shock absorption for the feet. When you can get all of these to come together in the insole, you will find it easier to relieve knee pain and move around with ease.
Insoles and orthotics are often some of the most effective options that you can choose when it comes to helping you manage knee pain, especially if you are trying to avoid surgery.
It is important for you to pick out a good pair and if you wish to continue running or doing athletic events, pick custom orthotics that are designed to help you compete and succeed.
How Can Insoles Help with Runner’s Knee?
Orthotics and insoles are a major part of the treatment regimen for many ankle and foot problems. It is common for a doctor to prescribe a pair of orthotics for the patient when they experience knee pain, along with a few other treatments.
For example, physical therapy, pain relievers, and supportive shoes will all be good treatments for knee pain. There are a lot of reasons why a doctor may prescribe orthotics and insoles to their patients with knee pain.
To start, these orthotics are able to help with alignment issues in feet that are not positioned well. When feet start to overpronate, they will roll a bit down and inward, which is more common with flat feet and can cause additional strain on the knees and legs.
Wearing orthotics helps because the right pair will provide some of the additional support that your foot needs, preventing the issue and giving the knees a bit of relief as well. Another benefit is that these insoles will provide cushioning and support in some of the key areas of the foot, such as the ball and the heel of the foot.
Since custom orthotics are designed specifically for the person who is going to wear them, you can get the exact insole that will help solve the major concern for your runner’s knee problems. This reduces the shock to the knees, keeps you in alignment, and provides extra cushioning based on the activity that you do.
Whether you choose to go with an over-the-counter insole or you need to go for custom orthotics for long-term care, you will find that this is one of the best solutions for the knee pain that you may experience. It can protect the knees and will help you avoid some of the more invasive treatments, including surgery.
Getting Treatment for Runner’s Knee
There are a lot of issues that can happen when you are a runner or spend a good deal of time walking and standing. While insoles can be a great way to put the body back into alignment and provide the body with some of the support that it needs, you may find that other treatment options can be a smart idea for your needs.
Our team will be able to work with you to help come up with a customized treatment plan that will be just right for you.
Whether you are dealing with a runner’s knee or another condition of the foot or lower body, we can complete an exam and discuss all of the options that are just right for you. Give us a call today and find relaxation in your runs again.