A knee problem can leave you suffering and in pain, so find help at FootSmart. We’ve teamed with The Podiatry Institute to give you tips on ways to relieve and prevent knee problems.

Where is the pain from your knee problem located?

Pain on the outside of your knee can be the cause of a knee problem due to a condition called Iliotibial Band Syndrome.

Pain behind or around the kneecap can cause a knee problem due to a condition called Chondromalacia.

Read on for ways to help your knee problem.

Knee Problem Due to Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band is a fibrous band extending from the hip to the lateral knee that can become inflamed it rubs over the knee’s lateral condyle. This knee problem can cause pain in both the knees and hips.

Increased running and overuse during sports training are the number one causes of this knee problem, which results in pain on the outside of the knee. Another knee problem associated with this condition: a snapping sensation when the bent knee is straightened. Aside from your pain, however, there is little swelling that goes along with this knee problem. Range of motion of the knee joint should remain normal.

Reducing activity is the hallmark to reducing knee problems and pain due to iliotibial band syndrome. In addition, try following these tips to treat your knee problem:

Wear knee supports to help treat and prevent a knee problem.
Stretch the iliotibial band – like with stretching aids – to help treat and prevent a knee problem.
Wear good supportive shoes with added arch supports to help treat and prevent a knee problem.
Strengthen the quadriceps to help treat and prevent a knee problem.
Give ice massages to the painful area to help treat and prevent a knee problem.
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if needed to help treat and prevent a knee problem.
Avoid running on hills if you want to help your knee problem.
Consult a podiatrist for custom-made orthotics to help treat and prevent a knee problem.

Knee Problem Due to Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia, a knee problem that results in pain behind or around the kneecap, is an abnormal softening of the cartilage that makes it difficult to move your knee.

Many factors, however, can contribute to the development of a knee problem from chondromalacia, including trauma, overuse, muscle weakness, mal-alignment, tight hamstrings, tight heel cords, tight quadriceps and age.

Treat a knee problem due to chondromalacia with rest and ice to reduce swelling. In addition, doctors recommend the following to help ease pain and knee problems due to chondromalacia:

Getting shoes with added arch supports, especially during exercise or walking, is crucial to treating pain and knee problems due to chondromalacia. You can find these types of comfort shoes right here at FootSmart.

Low impact exercises that strengthen muscles, particularly within the quadriceps, can help ease pain and knee problems due to chondromalacia.

Swimming, riding a stationary bike or engaging in other low-impact exercises can help relieve pain and knee problems due to chondromalacia.
Stretching and strengthening the hamstrings and quadriceps can help alleviate pain and knee problems due to chondromalacia.
Wearing knee supports like a knee brace can help ease pain and knee problems due to chondromalacia. Knee braces and other supports are also available at FootSmart.

If your knee problems due to either iliotibial band syndrome or chondromalacia continue, consult your physician. Doctors may recommend orthotics, pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs or even surgery to help fully relieve pain from knee problems.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like a knee problem and pain provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.