(Health-NewsWire.Net, March 18, 2016 ) Exeter, Devon -- According to a study by the British Journal of Medicine, up to 50% of long distance runners (over 5km training or competitive running) suffer from knee pain, writes Nigel Manning, CEO of Up-4-It.fit, a company which provides healthcare products. Among other conclusions the report made, women appeared more likely than men to suffer from knee pain, and among women and men a history of previous knee pain made a recurrence more likely.
The commonest types of knee pain runners experience occurs on the front of the knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome PFPS) or on the side of the knee (iliotibial band syndrome ITBS). The knee is a highly complex joint, and the diagnosis of different types of knee injury is difficult, even for an expert. Nevertheless, when mild knee pain does not clear after a short period of rest a physician should be consulted.
The observation that a history of previous knee pain or injury makes recurrence more likely seems obvious. While the amount of time training in a week seemed to have little to do with occurrence of knee injuries, training for a year with no break did. Surprisingly, use of warm up stretches made little difference. An increase in weekly training distances provided some protection from knee injuries, but one report concluded that running over 64km in a week made "lower extremity injuries" more likely.
There are many treatments advised for Runners Knee, and initially, for less serious conditions, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE) should be used, particularly rest. If the knee recovers, all well and good - if not then further steps must be taken, starting with a visit to a physician. Treatment could even mean surgery, but will probably include massage, compression and support with a brace, exercise, an assessment of footwear worn, and an analysis of posture and body mechanics.
If not caused by a traumatic injury, knee pain is usually a result of repetitive overuse of the joint. In most cases it will clear up when treated promptly, but in some cases can become chronic. As rest is the most significant factor in treatment there will be an interruption to the runner's program, possibly long term. For those who do not wish to see an end to their running career it is important to act to prevent knee injury and should it occur treat and recover quickly and effectively.
Running is rightly a popular leisure time pursuit, benefits including that it will burn away calories, is relatively cheap, can be a social activity, can lift the runners mood, and provides an opportunity to experience the outdoors. Runners should be aware of the onset of knee pain, and should act quickly to prevent it putting a stop to running activity.
"At Up-4-It.fit we believe in helping our customers with knee pain by providing advice and information on our company website," says Manning, "and by providing a top quality Open Patella Knee Brace to assist in a program of prevention and treatment. This report from the British Journal of Medicine makes fascinating reading for anyone, anywhere, who enjoys the sport of running."
About Up-4-It.fit
Up-4-It.fit believes in living life to the full, and not letting knee pain get in the way of an active lifestyle. Up-4-It.fit supplies a product which enables customers to overcome limiting health issues.
Up-4-It.fit
Nigel
01803 898652
customerservices@up-4-it.fit
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