What Are the Treatments for a Knee Injury From Running?

Running is an effective way to burn calories and fat and tone the leg muscles. Unfortunately, frequent running puts added pressure on the knee joints, and over time, runners may develop chronic bone and joint problems in their knees. Knee injuries can impact your level of physical activity and cause other problems such as the inability to quickly rise from a seated position or difficulty climbing stairs. Fortunately, there are ways for runner to treat knee injuries.

Rest the Injury

• Healing from a knee injury often calls for rest. This gives the knee a chance to recover and regain strength. On the other hand, continuing to run or participate in other exercises that involve use of the knees can complicate injuries and create long-term joint and bone problems. Rest at the first sign of injury and put off running until the pain subsides. When pain isn't too severe, modifying your workout and substituting light walks can help you maintain a fitness routine.

Ice Therapy

• Cold or ice therapy is an effective way to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with knee injuries. Runners put a lot of stress on their knees, and using an ice pack for injuries numbs pain and reduces fluid build-up. The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies recommends placing ice on knees for up to 20 minutes. Useful cold items include an ice pack, a package of frozen vegetables or ice cubes placed in a plastic bag. Wrapping the cold object in a dry cloth provides extra comfort.

Pain Medication

• Different medication options are available to help runners deal with knee pain. Over-the-counter remedies include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. What's more, doctors may prescribe stronger pain relievers such as prescription ibuprofen or recommend steroids when severe knee pain doesn't respond to OTC medications.

  In conjunction with medication, natural supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fish oils may help knee pain and inflammation when taken regularly. Glucosamine helps strengthen bones and cartilage, whereas omega-3 is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Elevation and Support

• Knee swelling is common after an injury. While ice provides some relief, keeping the knee elevated above your heart also reduces swelling. Lying on the couch or bed, position a few pillows under your injured knee. Using a compression method such as wrapping an ice bandage around the injured knee also helps reduce the build-up of fluid or swelling.