Return to running, training, and moving confidently when knee pain, clicking, or a shifting, unstable kneecap slows you down. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Buza provides individualized care focused on restoring movement and helping you get active again.
Run With Greater Comfort and Stability
Runner’s knee commonly refers to pain around or behind the kneecap, often associated with repetitive stress and how the patella moves within its groove. Kneecap instability occurs when the patella moves too far out of its normal position or feels like it may slip or dislocate. Both can interfere with running, jumping, squatting, stairs, dance, and sports. Identifying the cause of your symptoms helps guide treatment toward improving comfort and confident knee movement.
Signs & Symptoms of Runner’s Knee & Kneecap Instability:
- Pain around or behind your kneecap
- Pain while running, jumping, or squatting
- Discomfort when climbing or descending stairs
- Pain after sitting with your knee bent for long periods
- A kneecap that feels like it shifts or slips
- A feeling that your knee may give way
- Clicking, popping, or grinding around the kneecap
- Swelling around the front of your knee
- Difficulty training, dancing, or participating in sports
Treatment Options for Runner’s Knee & Kneecap Instability
Treatment starts with understanding why your knee hurts or why your kneecap feels unstable. Dr. Buza evaluates your symptoms, knee alignment, movement, strength, stability, and activity demands. Imaging may be used when appropriate. Your treatment is then individualized around the underlying problem and your goals for returning to running, sports, or everyday activity.
Non-Operative Care
Non-operative care focuses on reducing symptoms while addressing factors that place excess stress on your kneecap. Your plan may include temporarily modifying painful activities, anti-inflammatory measures when appropriate, and strategies for managing stress on the knee. Non-operative care is tailored to help you stay active while giving irritated tissues an opportunity to recover.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy targets the muscles and movement patterns that influence how your kneecap tracks during activity. Exercises may strengthen your quadriceps, hips, and core while improving flexibility, balance, and neuromuscular control. By building better support around your knee and improving movement mechanics, therapy can reduce stress and help you progressively return to activities.
Your Comeback Story Starts Here.
Schedule Your Consultation for Runner’s Knee & Kneecap Instability Treatment in NYC
Dr. Stephanie Buza is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. If knee pain or an unstable kneecap is keeping you from running, dancing, or competing, she offers non-operative care tailored to your movement and unique recovery goals. Schedule your consultation for runner’s knee and kneecap instability treatment with Dr. Buza in New York City today.
