Knee Pain: Know the difference between runner’s knee and osteoarthritis

Does your knee hurt after you get up from sitting? Do you ever feel a dull aching sensation when you walk or use stairs?

There are various causes of knee pain, but two are most common – runner’s knee and osteoarthritis.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you make lifestyle adjustments and heal correctly.

Ultimately, an examination with your chiropractic physician will ensure that you properly diagnose what’s causing your pain and enable you to repair the area with non-invasive physical medicine and rehab. If you are worried about pain, our team is here to help before you find yourself facing surgery that should otherwise be avoidable.

Runner’s Knee vs Knee Arthritis

Patellofemoral syndrome, known as “runner’s knee,” may be common for people who are very active, but you don’t have to be an athlete to overuse your knee.

Runner’s knee occurs when your knee cap is out of line and not moving the way it should in the groove on top of your thighbone. As a result, the cartilage, that usually helps your bones move smoothly against each other, begins to wear away.

Signs of runner’s knee include:

• a dull ache in the front of your knee
• pain while climbing stairs, jumping, or squatting
• knee pain after sitting for a long time
• sounds of a “pop” or “crackle” when you stand or use stairs

Arthritis in the knee is common and can make activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” that happens slowly over time. Like runner’s knee, the cartilage wears away and causes pain. It usually impacts those over 50.

Signs of arthritis in the knee:

• stiffness and swelling
• difficulty bending and straightening
• pain may be worse in the morning or during rainy weather
• weakness in the knee
• the knee may buckle

Knee pain can be common, but many are concerned about the explosive growth of knee surgery with rates doubling from 1999 to 2008. By the year 2030, it’s predicted there will be 3.5 million annual knee replacement surgeries.1

Research shows that a third of individuals who undergo the procedure may not even be appropriate candidates.2 This contributes to the dissatisfaction and ongoing pain some still experience after surgery.

At Aligned Modern Health, we use the power of non-invasive, drug-free treatment to help you relieve your pain and recover with a targeted plan that repairs the effective area. We’ll use a combination of physical rehabilitation, corrective exercises, and lifestyle adjustments that lead to lasting results.

In addition to Chiropractic Physical Medicine, our integrative team includes massage therapists, acupuncturists, and experts in functional medicine & clinical nutrition who help you accurately empower your body’s health as a complete system that works most effectively when all your health goals are addressed in alignment.

Connect with a patient coordinator to request a free injury screening or to schedule your next appointment! Fill out the form below to get started.

1 khn.org/news/up-to-a-third-of-knee-replacements-pack-pain-and-regret/
2 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190177/