KNEE CAP PAIN

Posted by ericbecksworld on August 23rd, 2017

The Pain- Aching or sometimes burning pain over thekneecap. Prolonged sitting (AKA moviegoer’s knee) often brings on pain. Otheractivities such as squatting, crouching, stair climbing and running can alsobring it on. Your kneecap may make funny noises such as grinding or popping.

The Causes- Knee pain over the anterior or kneecap area ofthe knee is extremely common in the aging weekend warrior. Possible causes arean increase in weight (ouch!), weak quadriceps (thigh muscles), arthritis underthe kneecap and malalignment of the leg (mostly in women).

The Basic Stretch- Hamstrings- The basic towel stretch.Lie on your back. Holding the two ends of a bath towel loop the towel over thebottom of your foot. Keeping your knee straight pull back . Your leg should beat approximately 90 degrees with your body and in line with your body. If youare doing this right you should have a good pull on your hamstrings. Quads-Kneel with your feet underneath you and your buttocks resting on your heels so thatyou are sitting like Ken Watanabe in the “Last Samurai” at a Buddhist shrine. .Lean back keeping your knees and feet on the floor until your thighs get tightand stretch.

The Basic Strengthening exercise- TV quad sets. When youare sitting watching TV, straighten your knee until it locks. Hold it like thisuntil you get a good burn in your quads. Relax. Repeat 2–3 times a day. You cando a similar exercise in the gym. Set the leg extension machine from fullextension (knee locked straight out) to about thirty degrees of flexion (orknee slightly bent). Put on enough weight to get 10–12 repetitions. Do this twoto three times a day, three time a week.

Bracing /Splints- The basic treatment for these type ofproblem is stretching and strengthening. However, you might consider somesupport in the form of a brace or splint to facilitate your recovery. You mayalso need these braces to help you participate in certain activities. If youwant minimal bracing and maximal benefit then I would recommend the classicCho-Pat strap. This will allow you to pursue most of your activities withoutweighting you down. For those needing more secure stabilization of the kneecapwith activities then the Corflex-J brace would be my recommendation.

See web site to buy.

When to worry- With any knee pain, catching or lockingespecially with squatting activities is a serious concern. If this happens, getthee to a doctor. Your symptoms should start to improve with your program inthree to four weeks. If things are not improving or getting worse by four weeksthis also should prompt you to find a friendly doctor’s office. If at any timeyou develop sharp shooting pains, numbness, tingling, swelling or discolorationof the limb please call your doctor for an appointment. My mantra for medicalproblems is “When in doubt, check it out”. If things don’t feel or look righttalk to someone who knows.

Other things- If your running shoes are over six monthsold, change them out.

Buy Knee Braces: We’re just stocking up on an excellentline of knee braces. If you’re in a hurry or in pain, email me for immediateattention: drbeck@becks-world.net

Author : ERIC R. BECK, MD

Contact us:

ERIC R. BECK, MD

Address: Huntsville, Alabama 35805, USA

Email ID: drbeck@becks-world.net

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ericbecksworld
Joined: August 23rd, 2017
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