By Sarah Clift, SPT
What is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s Knee, also known as “patellofemoral pain syndrome” is an umbrella term that describes various conditions that present with pain behind and around the front of the knee cap, and can affect knee health for runners. While highly prevalent in runners, it can arise from other activities such as walking, cycling, or jumping.1
What causes Runner’s Knee?
There are many factors that contribute to patellofemoral pain. Most often, it is due to improper body mechanics causing the patella (kneecap) to bump against the femoral groove of the thigh bone. Other potential contributing factors include but are not limited to: 1
- Improper footwear
- Excessive foot pronation
- Excessive training/overuse with inadequate recovery time
- History of injury
- Weak hip muscles (abductors, extensors, and external rotators)
- Tight IT Band
- Leg length discrepancy
What are the symptoms of Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee presents with dull, aching pain in and around the kneecap that is intensified with running, jumping, or squatting.1 Pain may also occur after sitting for prolonged periods of time with bent knees.2 Audible sounds such as grinding or clicking of the kneecap may be present upon bending and straightening of the knee. The kneecap may be tender upon touch.2
How physical therapy can help:
Treatment for Runner’s Knee with our physical therapists will aim to educate the patient on the proper footwear for their individual needs to ensure optimal alignment of the foot and ankle joints;.3 Techniques to reduce pain include heat, electrical stimulation, soft tissue work, gentle passive range of motion, taping and other modalities.3 The physical therapist will perform the necessary joint mobilizations to enhance joint mechanics and improve range of motion. Patients will be prescribed exercises aimed to improve strength, motor control, and mobility of the lower extremity.3
Contact Capital Area Physical Therapy at 518-289-5242 for more information on a number of strategies and techniques surrounding knee health for runners, and how to treat Runner’s Knee.
References:
1 Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee): Overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. August 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561507/
2 Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee). Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2020. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome-runners-knee.
3 Mellinger S, Neurohr GA. Evidence based treatment options for common knee injuries in runners. Ann Transl Med. 2019;7(Suppl 7):S249.
