Runners Knee
Clinically known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Do Your Knees Hurt During or After Running?
Whilst it’s quite common to experience a little discomfort in the knees during or after a run if the pain persists or increases, you may have developed patellofemoral pain syndrome (more commonly known as ‘runners knee’).
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing runners knee, including age (it typically affects teenagers and young adults), sex (women are twice as likely to develop runners knee than men due to having a wider pelvis), and participation in certain sports that put extra stress on the knees (such as running and jumping).
What is Runners Knee?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term used to describe pain in the front of the knee or around the patella (kneecap). It is often referred to as ‘runners knee’ or ‘jumpers knee’ because it’s common in people who participate in sports, but it does occur in non-athletes, too.
The pain and stiffness caused by this condition can make it difficult to climb stairs, kneel, and perform other everyday activities.
There are actually many things that can contribute to the development of runners knee, including:
- Overuse, as vigorous physical activity (such as jogging, climbing stairs, and so on) puts repeated stress on the knee.
- Sudden changes in physical activity, notably in the frequency, duration, and/or intensity.
- Patellar malalignment is a condition that causes abnormal tracking of the kneecap and may increase pressure in the area.
- Poor foot mechanics (such as when your feet excessively pronate or roll in), can lead to excess rotation at the knee joint.
What are the Symptoms of Runners Knee?
The most common symptom that people with runners knee experience is a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee. The pain usually begins gradually, may occur in one or both knees and has a tendency to be activity-related (that is, it worsens with activity).
Other symptoms include pain during exercise and activities that require the knee to repeatedly bend (such as running and climbing stairs), pain after sitting for long periods of time with the knees bent, pain related to changes in activity level or intensity, and popping or crackling sounds in the knee when climbing stairs or standing after prolonged sitting.
How is Runners Knee Treated?
Whilst there are things you can do at home to relieve the pain caused by runners knee (such as switching to low-impact exercise, losing weight, and following the RICE method), it is recommended that you see a podiatrist to diagnose the cause of your pain and rule out any other physical problems.
Your podiatrist will perform a physical examination, focusing on things like the position of the kneecap, signs of tenderness, and knee stability. They may also perform a biomechanical examination, asking you to walk back and forth so that they can assess your gait. X-rays may be required to rule out damage to the knee’s structure and connective tissues.
Treatment is designed to relieve pain and restore your range of motion.
- Orthotics, or custom shoe inserts, can take stress off your lower leg by aligning your foot and ankle properly.
- Physical therapy exercises may help to improve your range of motion, strength, and endurance. Your podiatrist will focus on your quadriceps, as these muscles are the main stabilisers for your kneecap.
- Medications in the form of pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can be taken to relieve pain in the short term.
- Taping may be used to reduce pain and allow you to continue exercising while receiving treatment.
- Surgery is a last resort and may involve either an arthroscopy to assess the damage or a realignment to fix the angle of the kneecap.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Whilst it’s not possible to completely prevent runners knee from occurring, there are things you can do to avoid overstressing your knees. These include: losing weight (if needed), stretching before running, gradually increasing activity, wearing proper running shoes, and leaning forward when you run.
It’s important to note that everyone is different; however, symptoms can be settled in two to three weeks in most cases (with even more improvement obtained in six to eight weeks). In more complex cases, it can take six to 12 months or even longer for symptoms to settle.
The good news is that surgery is rarely necessary for treating runners knee. In most cases, it’s only considered once you’ve tried non-surgical treatments for around two years, and your pain is still persistent. Your podiatrist will likely then refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon.
Your podiatrist may recommend a series of stretches that can help to reduce the pain you’re experiencing. These include iliotibial band foam rolls, quadriceps stretches, hamstring stretches, and calf stretches. Be sure to follow their instructions for how to properly perform each stretch.
Once the pain from runners knee has been relieved, your podiatrist may recommend a series of stretches to help strengthen the muscles in the patella area and prevent the injury from reoccurring. These include clamshell stretches, squats, and arch lifts.
Why Choose Foot and Leg Pain Centre?
With You, Every Step
We are committed to supporting our patients through their podiatry journey, from diagnosis and assessment to treatment and rehabilitation.
Evidence-Based Care
Putting our patients at ease is our primary concern. Our treatments feature a balance of clinical experience and scientific evidence.
Convenient Location
Receiving adequate podiatry care should not be difficult – we are conveniently located on Old Northern Road in Dural, with parking and public transport access.
Pain Whilst Running? There’s No Time to Delay
Runners knee is a common problem that can affect just about anyone – even if you’re not a runner. If you regularly perform activities that place repetitive stress on your knees, even at work, you’re at risk. The good news is that, in most cases, it can be easily addressed and managed.
Keep in mind that the symptoms of runners knee may appear like other conditions, which is why it’s important to seek a thorough assessment from an experienced podiatrist. We have been treating patellofemoral pain syndrome for many years now and would love to get you back running pain-free once more.
Walk Towards Wellness With Foot and Leg Pain Centre
Whether you’re an avid runner, an on-your-feet-all-day worker, or simply somebody who enjoys walking with their dog, plantar fasciitis can disrupt your routine and dampen your spirits. However, this doesn’t have to be a permanent problem.
At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, our team of experienced podiatrists understands the intricacies of plantar fasciitis, and we’re committed to providing you with the knowledge, support, and personalised treatment options to restore your physical freedom. Together, we’ll uncover the underlying causes, explore therapies tailored to you, and empower you to step forward. When you’re ready to take that step, book an appointment today!