Runner’s knee is a collective term for several condition that cause pain around he kneecap, or patella. Although running is the most common source of this pain, it can be related to any activity that involves repeated stress to the knee joint such as walking, cycling, skiing or playing football.
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Runner’s Knee
What causes runner’s knee?
It is caused by overuse or trauma to the kneecap from a sports injury or a fall. Weak or tight thigh muscles along with inadequate stretching before exercise are contributory factors as are flat feet and obesity because of the extra load it can put through the kneecap.
Runner’s knee symptoms
Runner’s knee produces a dull, aching pain around or behind the kneecap which may be felt when walking, climbing or descending stairs, kneeling, running, sitting down or when the knee is kept in a bent position for a long time. Other symptoms include swelling and a popping or grinding in the knee during movement
Runner’s knee diagnosis
A medical history and understanding of your activity levels is essential for a diagnosis and consultants will probably want X-rays, MRI or CT scans to get an accurate picture of the damage
Runner’s knee treatment
The first approach is to rest the knee and avoid the activities that may have to cause the damage along with reducing the swelling and inflammation before following a detailed programme of rehabilitation exercises. But surgery may be recommended if the cartilage is damaged or the kneecap needs to be realigned.
Surgery is only considered after discussion and reviewing several factors with each patient.
Contact us
To ask a question about runner’s knee or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available:
Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 1pm.
Our knee specialists team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment.
If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP. If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practise that you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 020 7432 8328 or email us at [email protected]
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The Orthopaedic Unit at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the country’s leading private orthopaedic centres. We provide a complete service for the assessment, treatment and management of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal problems.
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Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0207 078 3891.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
