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How Do I Treat a Bruised Knee from Running?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Many athletes develop a bruised knee from running, and while any injury should be evaluated by a doctor, most of these injuries can be treated successfully at home. In order to reduce the pain and swelling caused by this type of injury, the affected knee should be rested as much as possible. Ice therapy and the use of over-the-counter pain relievers are often recommended for those who sustain a bruised knee from running. Supportive devices such as crutches may be used as temporary mobility aids, but prolonged use may cause the knee to become stiff. Occasionally, scar tissue may form inside of the knee and could require surgical intervention.

Any knee injury should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out the possibility of severe damage. After it has been medically determined that the injury is in fact a bruised knee from running, proper treatment can begin. The patient should avoid using the affected knee as long as pain and inflammation are present. Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling and prevent the development of blood clots.

An ice pack can help with a bruised knee.
An ice pack can help with a bruised knee.

Ice therapy is often helpful in treating a bruised knee from running. An ice pack can be wrapped in a towel and placed on the affected knee for 20 minutes at a time. This process can be repeated several times per day, but the ice should be kept off the knee for at least 20 minutes between applications. Wrapping the ice pack in a towel helps to prevent skin damage from direct exposure to the ice.

Many athletes bruise their knees running.
Many athletes bruise their knees running.

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen may be used to ease the discomfort caused by the development of a bruised knee from running. If the bruise is deep or there is additional tissue damage, stronger pain medications may be prescribed. It is important to check with a doctor before taking any pain medications, as some of these drugs act as blood thinners and may not be recommended in some situations.

Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling and prevent the development of blood clots.
Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling and prevent the development of blood clots.

Mobility can be decreased as a result of an injury such as a bruised knee from running. Supportive devices such as a cane or crutches may help the patient get around a little better during the recovery period, but these devices should be used only as necessary to avoid the knee becoming stiff. If the pain associated with this injury lasts more than a few days, a doctor should be consulted for further evaluation. Complications such as blood clots or the development of scar tissue may require more aggressive treatment methods.

Discussion Comments

discographer

@ankara-- That usually happens when I over-train or don't do enough stretching and warm up exercises before running.

Most of us don't realize how important stretching is. Stretching help muscles and ligaments in our joints relax and expand so that they don't strain and rip while running. If you don't stretch, bruises and injuries will occur.

You need to take a break and rest your knee with ice therapy. Don't run until the bruise is gone.

bluedolphin

I bruise my knee over and over again while sprinting. Just when the bruise is about to heal, I bruise it again. Every new bruise is more painful and takes longer to fade. Is there any solution for this?

candyquilt

I often get a bruised knee from running and I think the best treatments for a bruised knee are ice and vitamin K cream.

Ice is a great first aid remedy for almost all ailments. It keeps inflammation down and helps relieve pain. Inflammation slows down healing so applying ice at regular intervals speeds up the healing process.

Vitamin K cream is another great remedy for bruises. I keep several tubes of this at home. Whenever I get a bruise, I apply it several times a day and the bruise heals in no time.

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    • An ice pack can help with a bruised knee.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack can help with a bruised knee.
    • Many athletes bruise their knees running.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Many athletes bruise their knees running.
    • Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling and prevent the development of blood clots.
      By: Syda Productions
      Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling and prevent the development of blood clots.