Pay Your Bill Patient Portal Request Appointment Call Now ABOUT PATIENT INFORMATION CONTACT Urgent Care Runner’S Knee Understanding Runner’S Knee And The Treatments Available To You. Meet Our Specialists Runner’s Knee is the common term used to describe pain around the kneecap also known as the patella. There are several conditions including anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, chondromalacia patella, and iliotibial band syndrome. Contact Us Symptoms The main symptom of runner’s knee is pain. You may also experience swelling, hear popping, or feel grinding in your knee. You will typically notice pain in the following areas: In the front of your kneecap Around or behind your kneecap When you bend your knee to walk, kneel, run, or squat When you walk downstairs or downhill Contact Us Causes As expected, running is a common cause of runner’s knee. However, any activity that repeatedly pressures the knee joint can cause the disorder. Walking, biking, jumping, cycling, and soccer are all activities that could cause runner’s knee. Other factors that can cause runner’s knee include: A direct hit to the knee from a fall Unaligned bones- Your doctor will describe this as malalignment. If any of your bones in between your hips and ankles are out of line this can put too much pressure on your knee. This interferes with the movement of your kneecap. Problems with your feet, such as hypermobile feet, fallen arches, or overpronation can change the way you walk and lead to knee pain. Chondromalacia patella, a condition where the cartilage under your kneecap breaks down Inadequate stretching before exercise Weak or tight thigh muscles Arthritis Flat feet Contact Us Prevention As expected, running is a common cause of runner’s knee. However, any activity that repeatedly pressures the knee joint can cause the disorder. Walking, biking, jumping, cycling, and soccer are all activities that could cause runner’s knee. Stretch before exercise. We recommend a 5-minute warm-up and stretching exercises before performing any activity that stresses the knee. Strengthen your thigh muscles with regular exercise. Purchase supportive shoes or shoe inserts. Stay in shape and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid running on hard surfaces. Replace worn running shoes. Don’t make sudden fitness changes that could strain your knee. Use proper running form. Keep your knees bent and make sure you aren’t leaning too far forward or backward. Contact Us Causes Overuse Tennis elbow is often caused by damage to the ECRB. The ECRB muscle helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. When the muscle is weakened from overuse this causes microscopic tears to form in the tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle. This creates inflammation and pain. Another risk for damage is the position of the ECRB. When the elbow bends and straightens, the muscle rubs and can eventually create wear and tear of the muscle. Activities Although tennis elbow is common in athletes, they are not the only people to develop this condition. There are many other activities that result in repteitive use of the forearm muscle. Carpenters, painters, plumbers, auto workers, and chefs are all known to develop tennis elbow. Age The most common age that tennis elbow is developed is between ages 30 and 50. Diagnosis &Treatment Diagnosis To diagnose runner’s knee, your doctor will give you a physical examination that may include X-rays, an MRI scan, or a CT scan. Treatment Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but runner’s knee can typically be treated without surgery. In many cases, runner’s knee will get better on its own. For pain relief and a speedy recovery, you can: Rest your knee. Avoid added stress on the knee. Try to avoid running, lunging, squatting, or sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Ice your knee. Relieve the pain and reduce the swelling by icing your knee for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days. Avoid any heat to the knee. Wrap your knee. Use an elastic bandage or sleeve to eliminate swelling. Do not wrap your knee too tight, this can cause swelling below the knee. Elevate your knee. Use a pillow under your knee while sitting or lying down to prevent additional swelling. When there is intense swelling, keep your foot elevated above your knee and your knee above the level of your heart. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If you need additional pain relief, take over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Talk to your doctor before taking these medicines. After the pain and swelling are diminished, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to restore your knee’s strength and range of motion. A brace may be necessary for extra support and pain relief. While surgery is not usually needed, it may be recommended if your cartilage is damaged or if your kneecap needs to be realigned. Contact Us Meet the specialists Michael F. Blum, M.D. Michael F. Blum, M.D., completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1985. He graduated medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham in 1989 and completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency in 1995. Dr. Blum began his orthopaedic practice in Alexander City, Alabama, and relocated to Birmingham to become one of the founding owners of Southlake Orthopaedics Sports Medicine and Spine Center. Dr. Blum’s practice has a special emphasis on sports medicine and joint replacement/reconstruction. Read More George Robert Booker, M.D. George Robert Booker, M.D. completed his undergraduate studies at Auburn University in 2001 where he graduated magna cum laude with a major in Microbiology. He completed medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama in 2005 and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency in 2010 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Booker began in his practice at Southlake Orthopaedics Sports Medicine and Spine Center in 2010. He completed his board certification process in July of 2012 and is a current diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. Read More Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. Dr. Ellerbusch received his bachelor’s degree in Biology Pre-Medicine and Chemistry from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. While there, he was named a USA Today Academic All-American. He also received the Outstanding Senior Man Award and served as the commencement speaker at the graduation ceremony. He attended medical school at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, where he graduated with high honors. Read More Dewey H. Jones, M.D. Southlake Orthopaedics welcomes Dr. Jones as the newest member to our orthopaedic team in January 2019. Dr. Jones has been a respected orthopaedic surgeon practicing in the Birmingham area for the last 19 years. When he finished his residency in 2000, he joined his father’s orthopaedic practice at Brookwood Orthopedics. He has most recently been in practice at Powell & Jones Orthopedics Center, which he formed In 2014 with his father and Dr. Thomas Powell. We are delighted to have him associate with our group. Dr. Jones offers his expertise in treating adult and pediatric patients with musculoskeletal conditions. He also offers treatment in sports medicine, arthritis, and workers’ comp. Dr. Jones has an interest in arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques of the shoulder and knee. Read More (205) 985-4111 Connect with us WHAT WE DO SURGERY REHABILITATION URGENT CARE TESTING HOOVER MEDPLEX Mon - Fri, 8 AM - 5PM 4517 Southlake Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244 205.985.4111 Fax: 205.985.4326 GRANDVIEW Mon - Fri, 8 AM - 5PM 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430, Birmingham, AL 35243 Phone: 205.605.8180 Fax: 205.972.8785 Copyright ©2021 All Rights Reserved Nondiscrimination Notice Privacy Notice Our Urgent Care Clinic will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Nov. 27 in observance of Thanksgiving.