Are you someone that loves a good run or jog? Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to live an active lifestyle. A love to run also comes with soreness after a good workout. We’ll be breaking down how to treat a runner’s knee.
What Is Runner’s Knee?
The term “runner’s knee” comes from pain felt within the knee after running for an extended period. When your legs are in use, then the femur, tibia, and fibula bones naturally move in tandem. The one thing that keeps these bones from rubbing against each other is your knee cartilage.
However, over time this cartilage decreases and speeds up with age, injury, or increased physical activity. The knee’s cartilage acts as a natural shock absorber for the body. However, after a long period of running then, the cartilage decreases. Once that happens, then pain is felt within the knee.
Get TENS/EMS Therapy
The first tip in treating a runner’s knee is to use TENS/EMS therapy. This is a natural form of therapy that many doctors have used for their patients. It works by attaching electrical nodes to an area affected by pain. Then the nodes work with a stimulator to send electrical signals to the body to send endorphins.
This chemical is the body’s natural painkiller and is associated with happiness. Endorphins are naturally released during a great workout. TENS/EMS is a natural way to treat a runner’s knee compared to prescriptions. This therapy can be done during exercise or when recovering at home.
Use A Knee Wrap
The second tip on how to treat a runner’s knee is to use a knee wrap for recovery. This knee accessory works by placing a protective garment over the knee. By wearing this garment, you’re preventing the knee from any hyperextension or putting the knee in an uncomfortable position.
The chances of injury and pain increase whenever the knee is put in an unnatural position. Combing a knee wrap with TENS/EMS technology can significantly help with the pain. These two factors are even a great option for those experiencing runner’s knee during exercise. Having that protective garment and sending endorphins to the body with the help of TENS/EMS technology helps with physical activity.
Give Your Body Time
When living an active lifestyle, give your body the proper recovery time. Giving your body rest days speeds up your recovery since the body isn’t constantly tearing and repairing muscle fibers during exercise. Combing rest days with proper sleep and nutrition is the best way to treat a runner’s knee.
All of these factors work together to benefit your body. Proper nutrition gives your muscles the right nutrients it needs to grow muscles and manage weight. Sleep is so important since that’s when the body activates its recovery system. When the body is at rest, then it can address any health issues like pain and correct them.
Use Heat & Cold Packs
The last tip in treating a runner’s knee is to use heat & cold packs. These types of packs work similarly to TENS/EMS therapy. Heat brings more blood to the area where it’s applied. It also reduces stiffness and swelling in the muscle. This is a good way to treat knee pain.
Cold packs numb an affected area and reduces any swelling or inflammation. By numbing the area then, it helps to treat pain associated with the runner’s knee. Heat & cold packs are a great and cost-effective way to treat pain. This type of treatment works best when resting at home or sitting down.
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