“I have sore knees from running. Will ice compression help?”
I ran a marathon just yesterday and I ended up with sore knees. They felt fine yesterday but today I woke up sore. Will ice compression help me?
9 Answers
Ice works as a pain-reliever with likely some mild anti-inflammatory properties. In most patients, it is typically neutral or helpful. Meaning, it either has no positive or negative effect for some patients and helps others. It's likely more helpful in patients with swelling in or around the joint. Try for 20 minutes 1-2 times the first few hours after running for 3-4 days. See how you feel later in the day and the following day. If helping, then continue. If not, then don't continue to spend your time doing this. Be careful not to let the ice pack stay on your skin for too long, as frostbite can occur. Best of luck!
It is common for the pain to be more noticed after the race when the excitement and adrenaline have subsided. Ice and compression should help. An anti-inflammatory, either over the counter or prescription should also help. Remember you are in the recovery period. Allow your body the time it needs.
Phillip H. Omohundro, MD, MBA
Phillip H. Omohundro, MD, MBA
Definitely. You are likely developing some irregular wear patterns in your knees (arthritis?). Make sure shoes are changed. Gait/stride/cadence is correct. Could have meniscus damage too. Don’t wait to get evaluated.
Yes, limit ice to 20 min.
Yes it should.
Certainly ice for 20 minutes after may be helpful and is not harmful.
Yes, ice 20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Place ice over a thin towel to avoid freezing the skin (i.e., frost bite). Rest, ice, and compression will help.
Mark Burt, M.D.
Mark Burt, M.D.
For sure ice and compression for the acute symptoms. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (Advil, Aleve) also or an alternative anti-inflammatory.
Big question is, what is causing it? Arthritis? Meniscus tear?
Also, consider running shoes. They should be in good condition and a proper balanced fit for your foot.
Big question is, what is causing it? Arthritis? Meniscus tear?
Also, consider running shoes. They should be in good condition and a proper balanced fit for your foot.
RICENT
Rest Ice Compression NSAIDs & Tylenol are great conservative approach.
But you might need a Limb alignment XRAY and look how your knees are affected by leg alignment. It also depends on your weight and Gait mechanics.
Rest Ice Compression NSAIDs & Tylenol are great conservative approach.
But you might need a Limb alignment XRAY and look how your knees are affected by leg alignment. It also depends on your weight and Gait mechanics.
