In simple understanding, runner’s knee is a dull ache in the front of the knee caused by overuse of the knee during running. A structural flaw or a particular gait or running style may be to blame. Kneecap rubbing, grinding, or clicking sounds are among the most common symptoms. Running till the discomfort subsides is a part of the therapy.
Runner’s knee—the medical name for patellofemoral pain syndrome—is a disorder that produces discomfort around and/or under a person’s kneecap, on the front of one’s knee (patella). This is where the knee meets the thighbone’s lower end (femur). One or both knees are affected.
In addition to runners, weightlifters, hikers, skiers, cyclists, and soccer players are also at risk for developing runner’s knee, which is also known as the runner’s knee syndrome. Kneecap tiredness is a problem for those who spend their days sitting at a desk all day.
Runner’s knee affects two times as many women as males.
diagnosis of PFPS has been reported to account for 19.6%of all injuries in females and 7.4%of all injuries in males (DeHaven & Lintner, 1986)
When the knee is overworked or damaged, runner’s knee is most likely to occur. Leg discomfort that is exacerbated by stair climbing or descending is the most prevalent complaint. Cross-legged sitting, squatting, and kneeling may all cause discomfort.
Is it possible that a runner’s knee injury might have long-term consequences?
Running with runner’s knee caused by iliotibial band syndrome may develop to biomechanical issues with the leg if treatment is not sought. The cartilage in the knee might be permanently damaged by runner’s knee in rare cases.
However, runner’s knee is often treatable without the need for surgical intervention. Stopping jogging (or whatever activity set off the problem) until you can do it again without experiencing discomfort is frequently the best course of action. Compression, elevation, and icing the knee may all be helpful, as may over-the-counter pain medicine. Physical therapy and addressing any faulty body mechanics might also be helpful.
The symptoms of runner’s knee might be mistaken for those of other disorders, so getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor is critical.
The prognosis for runner’s knee is often favorable when treated appropriately, which does not always need surgery.
Runner’s Knee Risk Factors and Causes.
Injuries, overtraining, and structural or anatomical defects may all lead to runner’s knee, but they aren’t the only possible causes of the condition. These criteria include, but are not limited to:
What is known as a “high patella” is a kneecap that sits excessively high in the joint of the knee
Thigh muscles that be too weak or too tight
Hamstrings that won’t let go
Tendonitis in the Achilles
Low arches
When walking or sprinting, the kneecap is pulled outward by the thigh muscles as the feet roll inward.
Runner’s knee is connected with the following risk factors:
Weightlifting, skiing, or biking are all examples of activities that may be done in moderation.
As a result of physical variations between men and women, women are twice as likely to suffer from runner’s knee as men (so their thigh bones angle in more sharply from hip to knee, causing greater stress and instability in the knee)
Congenital abnormalities of the knee joint, such as trochlear dysplasia, an aberrant position of the kneecap, or knock knees.
Unstable patella (which may lead to runner’s knee) because of a lack of stability in the kneecap’s attachment to the joint.
Knee ligament and muscle strains are more likely to occur if the knee joint is not well conditioned.
Runner’s Knee Signs and Symptoms
Runner’s knee symptoms most often include:
As a result of physical activity, the kneecap might become inflamed.
Instability or weakness after sitting for an extended period of time with the knees bent
a grinding, grinding, or popping sound that happens as you bend and straighten your knee
Kneecap swells up
A swollen, irritated, or painful kneecap
Resolving Knee Pain in the Runner
Runner’s knee may be managed and avoided by avoiding overstressing your knees. How you can help:
If necessary, slim down.
Warm up and stretch your muscles before and after your workouts to avoid injury.
Strengthen the knee-supporting muscles, such as the hips and quadriceps, using workouts.
To prevent overusing certain muscles and joints, change up your workout program.
Gradually increase your physical activity.
Take care of your feet by using proper running shoes.
When running, bend your knees and lean forward.
Useful links for Runners knee :
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/runner-s-knee/symptoms-causes/syc-20355530
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/runners-knee#1
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: https://www.aaos.org/conditions/runner-s-knee
- OrthoInfo: https://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome-runner-s-knee/
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/runners-knee-5-ways-to-prevent-and-treat-it
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9187-runners-knee
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/runners-knee
- American College of Sports Medicine: https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/brochures/runner-s-knee.pdf
- Physio Works: https://www.physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/runners-knee-patellofemoral-pain-syndrome
- Sports Injury Clinic: https://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/knee-pain/runners-knee
