The term "runner's knee" is an umbrella term commonly used to describe pain in and around the kneecap (patella) which frequently affects runners. This informal name is misleading though, as runner's knee can be caused by any activity, injury or a condition which puts repeated stress on the knee joint.

Causes of runner's knee may include taking a direct hit to your knee, conditions such as fallen arches (flat feet), an imbalance of thigh muscles, or as the result of misalignment of bones, or a breakdown of cartilage. Bar none, the most common cause of runner's knee is simply overuse of the knee joint, and surrounding ligaments, and tendons.

Pain from runner's knee is felt on the front of the kneecap, behind the knee cap, or when you bend, kneel or squat. Men and women in Los Angeles with runner's knee may feel pain intensify when walking or running uphill or downhill. Runner's knee may also be accompanied by swelling, a popping sound, or a feeling of grinding in the knee.

Does Runner's Knee Go Away?

Many men and women suffering from pain caused by runner's knee can take comfort in knowing that runner's knee may go away on its own, provided you take smart steps to promote healing. Icing, resting, and elevating your knee may help. In some cases, a knee brace may also promote recovery. It is important that you avoid activities which tend to increase pain, so steering clear of lunging movements, squatting movements, or running is in your best interest.

Treatments for runner's knee will depend upon what is causing the pain. In cases where the pain is caused by a breakdown of cartilage, or damage to ligaments and tendons around the knee, both stem cell therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may help to expedite the healing process.

As a regenerative medicine treatment, both stem cell injections and PRP injections use your own body's healing powers. As a minimally invasive treatment, these autologous injections work to repair tissue, regenerate cells, and increase blood flow to damaged areas (promoting healing). Some of the world's most famous athletes including Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Maria Sharapova, and others have used PRP and stem cell injections to avoid surgery for sports injuries.

How Long Does Stem Cell Therapy Last for Knees?

Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Allan Kurtz provides stem cell injections and PRP injections at the California Center of Longevity& Functional Medicine in Woodland Hills. Many patients feel pain relief within 24-48 hours of injection. The full benefits of stem cell therapy are typically felt within 28 days. The results that each patient experiences will vary. But studies show that of the many people who benefit from stem cell therapy, most still felt relief from pain four years after the treatment.

Because stem cell therapy and PRP injections work by promoting regeneration and healing, they aren't simply "band-aid" fixes for injuries. These injections are natural to your body, and don't attempt to mask pain by altering pain receptors in the brain, in the way that medication does. The stem cells and PRP are injected directly to the source of the injury, so that healing can begin immediately.

To determine if you're a candidate for stem cell therapy injections or PRP injections to treat runner's knee, or other conditions including Bursitis, labrum tears, arthritis, and other injuries, schedule a consultation today at the California Center of Regenerative& Functional Medicine.

Dr. Allan Kurtz specializes in creating ideal health and longevity plans for patients of all ages. With a focus on regenerative treatments, Dr. Kurtz is fellowship trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Kurtz is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Institute for Functional Medicine.

We can be reached by calling 818.346.1440