Alleviate knee pain by applying ice pack to the area for a few minutes.
Treatment for runner’s knee
Associate Professor Paul Chang Chee Cheng, Senior Consultant and Director, Orthopaedic Sports Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth shares the types of treatment and prevention tips for runner’s knee.
When injured, you should always allow some time for recovery. However, it’s best to start correct exercises early before muscle weakness sets in.
The best way to treat runner’s knee is to take a short break from the activity that has been causing the pain. “Joggers who need to avoid putting weight on their knee can temporarily consider another sport like swimming or gym-training instead,” suggests A/P Chang. However, seeking professional advice on shoes, training regime and running technique is essential before going back to running.
If you have a swollen knee, applying ice packs to the area for a few minutes, every few hours, will help to alleviate the pain. Alternatively, use a knee guard to lend extra support or elevate your swollen knee with a pillow.
Your doctor might also prescribe anti-inflammatory painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve the knee pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises may also help.
However, in severe cases, surgery to remove the damaged cartilage or to realign the kneecap may be useful, says A/P Chang.
How to prevent runner's knee from acting up in future
Even after you’ve healed, consider taking some preventive measures to stop runner’s knee from acting up in future.
Cutting-edge medical technology – including minimally-invasive surgery – and the expertise of specialists make the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, a premier referral centre for spinal surgery, joint replacement and ankle and foot surgery, and the treatment of musculoskeletal tumours, trauma and sports-related injuries.
Ref: T12
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