Runner's Knee

What is it?

Typically known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), which is pain arising from the patellofemoral joint itself, or adjacent soft tissues. Patellofemoral pain can generally be felt at the front, around, or on the backside of the patella.

Possible Causes:

• Muscle and joint force imbalances and weakness
  • Quadriceps
  • Hamstrings
  • Muscles of the hip
• Anatomical and biomechanical abnormalities
  • Genu valgus (knocked knee)
  • Rotation of the tibia
  • Increase in Q-angle
• Overuse and overloading of the patellofemoral joint
  • Overuse from inadequate adaptation to terrain and environment
  • Poorly managed training load
  • Running technique and gait
  • Downhill running

Symptoms:

• Symptoms are characterized by pain that is produced with activities, which increase the load on the patellofemoral joint when the knee is flexed.
• Anterior knee pain when:
  • Running
  • Going up/down stairs
  • Sitting with knees flexed
  • Squatting
  • Kneeling

Differential Diagnosis:

• Chondromalacia patellae
• Patellar Tendinopathy
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

Solutions:

• Manual Therapy
• Muscle Strengthening (hip, trunk, knee)
• Patellar taping
• Physical Therapy

Products:

• Insoles (Superfeet, Currex, Powerstep, etc.)
• Myofascial release tools (foam roller/stick, massage guns, etc.)

Resources and further information:

Physiopedia - Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Physiopedia - Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Runners