Runner's knee guide

Runner's knee (kneecap pain from overuse) online

For adults 18 to 49 with an ache around or behind the kneecap that came on slowly, without an injury, and gets worse with squats, stairs, running, or jumping.

Start online

Start a $59 online review for Runner's knee.

Runner's knee is an ache around or behind your kneecap. Doctors call it patellofemoral pain. It is very common. The best treatment is exercise for the muscles of your hip and knee, done at home. A physician reviews your answers and sends a plan: exercises, doing less of what hurts for now, arch supports, and acetaminophen. If it is safe for you, the physician may add a short course of an anti-inflammatory pill. We do not send a prescription automatically.

If treatment is appropriate, your physician can send a non-controlled prescription to your pharmacy and provide portal instructions for the next step.

Start this visit See response times

Quick facts

You must be physically located in Virginia or West Virginia at the time of request.
Starts at $59
No insurance needed
No app download
Physician review around the clock
Non-controlled prescriptions can be sent to your pharmacy when appropriate
A work or school note can be included when medically appropriate
Response times apply 24/7, every day

Common symptoms

An ache around or behind the kneecap
Pain when you squat, use stairs, run, or jump
Pain after sitting a long time with your knees bent
Pain that came on slowly, often after more running or training

May fit online care

Adults 18 and older
You are 18 to 49
The pain came on slowly, without a fall, twist, or hit
Squatting down slowly brings on pain around or behind your kneecap
Your knee does not swell, lock, or give way

Look for another care setting

A hot, red, swollen knee, with or without a fever, or knee pain with a fever (go to the ER or urgent care now).
You cannot put weight on your leg, or you hurt your knee and it looks wrong.
Chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911).
A calf that is swollen, warm, or red on one side (same-day care).
You hurt your knee in a fall, twist, or hit.
Your knee swells up, locks, catches, or gives way.
Your kneecap has slipped out of place, or it feels like it slips.
The pain is mostly in your hip or groin, or you limp.
Back pain that runs down your leg, or numbness or weakness in your leg.
Pain at night or at rest, weight loss without trying, or a history of cancer.
Pain for more than 3 months that no one has examined.
Age 50 or older.

What to have ready

When the pain started and what makes it worse
What you have tried so far
Your medicines and any allergies, especially to aspirin or anti-inflammatories
Other health problems, like a stomach ulcer, kidney disease, or heart disease

What happens next

Standard

$59

Within 6 hours

Priority

$99

Within 3 hours

Rush

$149

Within 1 hour

Start the request on the website, answer a few questions to check that this visit fits you, and choose how fast you want an answer (the response window). If your concern still fits this service, a physician reviews it and sends you a secure update after you sign in. When appropriate, non-controlled prescriptions can be sent to your pharmacy, and a basic work or school note can be included at physician discretion.

Your physician

Every visit is personally reviewed by Ankur Fadia, MD. He is board-certified, has extra training in heart care (a cardiology fellowship), and is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, a medical honor society. He is licensed in Virginia and West Virginia, and your care is never handed off to someone else.

Verify Virginia medical license Verify West Virginia medical license Verify board certification

Will I get a prescription?

Not automatically. The plan is mainly exercise. For pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the label says. If your answers show it is safe, the physician may add a short course of an anti-inflammatory pill. If aspirin or any anti-inflammatory ever gave you asthma, hives, or another allergic reaction, you will not get one.

How long does it take to get better?

Exercise helps lower the pain, but it can take weeks to months. The pain often comes back, so keep doing the exercises. If you are not better by 12 weeks, get your knee checked in person.

Can I use diclofenac gel for this?

Not for this pain. Diclofenac gel sold in stores is labeled for arthritis pain only, and its label says not to use it for sports injuries.

When should I get my knee checked in person?

If your knee starts to swell, lock, or give way, if the pain gets worse even when you do less, or if you are not better by 12 weeks. Go to the ER or urgent care right away for a hot, red, swollen knee, knee pain with a fever, or if you cannot put weight on your leg.

Other conditions we treat

Not quite what you have? Here are other conditions we treat.

Achilles tendinitis Acute low back pain Acute muscle strain Ankle / wrist sprain Bursitis Costochondritis support