Runner's Knee: Your Return to Running

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How Dr. Tafler does Runner's Knee Treatment?

How Dr. Tafler does Runner's Knee Treatment?

Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a common condition among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences stress and strain, causing pain and discomfort around the front of the knee. As a specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Tafler has years of experience in treating runner's knee. In this article, we will explore his approach to treating this condition.


Diagnosis

The first step in treating runner's knee is to diagnose the cause of the pain. Dr. Tafler starts by taking a thorough medical history of the patient, including information about their running habits, injury history, and physical activity level. He also performs a physical examination of the knee, looking for signs of pain, swelling, and tenderness.

In some cases, Dr. Tafler may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to get a better understanding of the condition. These tests help him determine the extent of the injury and the appropriate treatment plan.


Non-Surgical Treatment

In most cases, runner's knee can be treated without surgery. Dr. Tafler starts by prescribing rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. He also recommends physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

In addition to physical therapy, Dr. Tafler may also suggest using knee braces or supports to reduce stress on the knee joint. He may also prescribe orthotics or shoe inserts to correct any gait abnormalities and provide additional support to the knee.


Surgical Treatment

In severe cases of runner's knee, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Tafler performs arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows him to repair damaged tissues and alleviate pain. The surgery involves making small incisions in the knee and using a camera to view the inside of the knee joint.

After the surgery, Dr. Tafler provides detailed post-operative instructions and a physical therapy plan to help the patient recover quickly and regain their strength. He also follows up with patients regularly to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.


Conclusion

Runner's knee can be a painful and debilitating condition for runners and athletes. With the right treatment, however, it can be effectively managed and treated. Dr. Tafler's approach to treating runner's knee combines a thorough diagnosis, non-surgical treatments, and, if necessary, surgery to provide patients with the best possible outcome. If you're experiencing pain and discomfort in your knee, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Tafler for a consultation.

What Causes Runner’s Knee?

There are many different factors that can contribute to a runner’s knee injury. Causes can include:

  • Overuse of the soft tissue
  • Strained tendons around the kneecap
  • Torn cartilage
  • Misalignment in the kneecap or dislocation
  • Weak thigh muscles
  • A failure to properly stretch before exercise or sports
  • Arthritis
  • Inflammation in the joint lining
  • Fractures in the kneecap due to trauma

This knee injury is most commonly the result of movements that overload the knee joint. Fortunately, there are rarely structural issue involved, so most patients can expect a full recovery from runner’s knee. Osteopathic care can be an effective way to expedite that healing process.

What Causes Runner’s Knee?
What are the Symptoms of Runner’s Knee?​

What are the Symptoms of Runner’s Knee?​

These knee conditions generally involve persistent pain and aching sensations behind and around the patella. That pain is commonly increased during activities like:

  • Walking and running
  • Going up or down stairs
  • Squatting, kneeling, or sitting with the knees in a bent position
  • Standing up or sitting down

For patients suffering from IT band syndrome, the pain is most commonly felt on the outside of the knee. Unfortunately, that can cause patients to mistakenly assume that they have injuries such as a meniscus tear. An MRI can quickly differentiate between the two conditions, however, to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Recovery and a Return to Running​

The good news is that these conditions can be treated, to help you return to running. In most instances, surgery is unnecessary. Symptoms can be managed using traditional remedies like rest, ice packs, compression bandages, and proper elevation to reduce swelling. For many patients, osteopathic care also plays a vital role in facilitating recovery so that they can get back to running as quickly as possible.


Osteopathic treatment options can include manual manipulation, runner’s knee stretches, rehabilitation exercises, lifestyle changes, and educational resources about recovery and prevention of future injuries. Your osteopath can provide more information about the best treatment options to aid in your recovery.

Recovery and a Return to Running​

Patient Testimonials

For the many patients who have received osteopathic care from Leonid Tafler, D.O., the results speak for themselves. Still, those patient testimonials are an important way for others to learn about the potential benefits they too can receive from osteopathic treatment. The following testimonials are from patients who provided feedback about their visits, delivered in their own words. These testimonials and patient results are presented as examples of osteopathy’s potential benefits.

Contact Us Today

Knee injuries can be both painful and debilitating, but they don’t have to prevent you from enjoying the activities you love. Leonid Tafler, D.O. has the experience and expertise needed to treat these conditions and help you successfully recover in an expedited manner. If you are experiencing any of these knee-related symptoms, contact us today to schedule an appointment, diagnosis, and treatment that can get you up and running again.


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Runner's Knee: Your Return to Running
Three Common Injuries that Plague Runners
Everything You Need to Know About Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Return to Running After an ITB Injury
Dealing with Long-Term ITBS

Runner’s Knee Reviews

Margaret Sowa
Margaret Sowa
Hotel General Manager Brooklyn, NY

Through the years, every one treated by Dr. Tafler has had very positive and lasting results. I can't thank him enough for myself, my mom and for every dear person to my heart I sent to him. 🙂 Thank you Doctor! Words can't express what you've done and how many lives have changed. God bless you.

Boris Talis
Boris Talis
Four-time champion of the world in Sambo Combat. Black belt 6th Degree

I am a whole hardheartedly grateful to Dr.Tafler for this timely help in recovering the moving function of my shoulder joint. This helped me a win a gold medal and become the Champion of the world in Sambo combat in Greece 2012. I always tell my collegues and student to turn to the excellent and kind Dr. Leonid Tafler in case of any accident or injury.

Diana

Dr. Tafler started working with me though acupuncture, back adjustments and immediately I saw the progress and my pain was less and less with every visit to the doctor. I avoided a surgery thanks to Dr Tafler. I started to enjoy my life again. I am so thankful to the doctor, and have been recommending Dr Tafler to all my friends and coworkers who have back problems and other pains.

Thomas Rayder

Dr. Tafler recommended the OMT under anesthesia procedure. The procedure was performed and alleviated my pain immediately. I avoided surgery and have not had problems with my neck in 7 years now! I am so thankful to Dr. Tafler, the OMT under anesthesia procedure helped me so much!

Elizabeth Blend

Dr. Tafler took me in for a weekend to receive manipulation under anesthesia. Two weeks later I was able to walk without pain. I have been pain free since that moment until today, many years after initial treatment. Without his treatment I do not know if I would have been able to walk at all.

Hugo Barriga

Doctor Tafler, was my savior and there is not doubt he give me my back life; this OMT under anesthesia definitely recommend to everyone, this improve my back and relief a chronic pain. Try this before any aggressive treatment, this was over 5 years ago and I feel splendidly.

Beverly

Two weeks ago I came to his office. He is a very nice and very pleasant man. I told him about a terrible pain in my back. He gave me two injections and I was able to walk a lot better. I felt myself at my twenties. When I went for the second treatment under anesthesia, I was running up the stairs at my church. All my friends got very happy for me. So, I believe, this man is a hero! If not him, I would not be able to walk!