Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Runners knee (also called patellofemoral pain or anterior knee pain) is a common cause of knee pain in young people (not just in runners). The pain is usually diffuse pain behind the kneecap.

Running can cause pain at or near your kneecap. It will usually be obvious that it’s an overuse injury because it will come on slowly, or after a greater than usual effort. It will probably go away when you stop running, and return when you start again. The problem is inflammation of cartilage under your kneecap. In some cases biomechanical problems in your feet cause abnormal movement in your kneecap. In these cases RICE (and perhaps aspirin or ibuprofen) will treat the symptoms, and orthotic inserts in your shoes can treat the cause.

Symptoms of runners knee

Symptoms often worsen after climbing stairs, jumping, running, or after a period of sitting. The symptoms of runners knee include pain near the knee cap usually at the medial (inner) portion and below it. Pain is usually also felt after sitting for a long period of time with the knees bent. Running downhill and sometimes even walking down stairs can be followed by pain. This has been called the "movie theatre sign". Patellofemoral pain syndrome is often caused by the kneecap not tracking smoothly in its femoral groove.

Causes of runners knee

Caused by poor tracking of the kneecap, appropriate exercises prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist is the main treatment in correcting runners knee. Stay away from high-impact activity if you have this condition.

Factors that increase what is known as the "Q" (Quadriceps) angle increases the chance of having runners knee. Chondromalacia patella is a common cause of kneecap pain or anterior knee pain. Often called "Runner's Knee," this condition often affects young, otherwise healthy athletes.

Traditional iliotibial band syndrome treatment

The widely accepted way of taking care of ITBS once it arises is certainly less than perfect. Usually, athletes are told to cut back on their intensity and volume of training and to work out only on smooth, non-hilly terrain. Icing and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are recommended to reduce discomfort and inflammation, and athletes with ITBS are cautioned never to try to 'run through' the pain.

Refraining from running until it can be done without pain is important. Other exercises, such as riding a bicycle (if not painful), rowing, and swimming, can be continued to maintain physical fitness. Exercises to stretch the muscles in the back (hamstrings) and front (quadriceps) of the thigh and to strengthen the vastus medialis, an inner thigh muscle that pulls the kneecap inward, are helpful.