Runners knee

What is Runners Knee?

Runner’s Knee (also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) is a common overuse injury characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap (patella). It's often caused by activities that place repetitive stress on the knee joint, such as running, jumping, or squatting.

Mechanism of Injury:

Runner’s Knee typically develops due to overuse and improper movement patterns, such as:

Overuse: Repetitive stress from activities like running, jumping, or cycling can irritate the tissues around the kneecap.
Misalignment: Poor alignment of the kneecap (patella) due to muscle imbalances, flat feet, or structural abnormalities can increase stress on the knee joint.
Weak or Tight Muscles: Weakness in the quadriceps or tightness in the hamstrings, calves, or iliotibial band (IT band) can contribute to improper kneecap tracking.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support or cushioning can alter gait mechanics, increasing knee stress.

Symptoms

Pain Around or Behind the Kneecap: The primary symptom is a dull, aching pain that’s usually felt at the front of the knee, around the patella.
Pain During Activity: Discomfort often worsens during activities that involve knee bending, such as running, climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting with bent knees for long periods.
Swelling: Mild swelling around the knee may occur, although it’s not always present.
Grinding or Popping Sensation: Some individuals may feel or hear a grinding, clicking, or popping sensation in the knee when it’s in motion.
Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff or weak, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity.

Treatment

Clinical Treatment:

Assessment: A physical examination, including an assessment of gait, muscle strength, and flexibility, to determine contributing factors. Imaging may be used if necessary.
Physical Therapy: A tailored program to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, improve flexibility, and correct any gait or alignment issues.
Activity Modification: Reducing or altering activities that stress the knee, such as switching to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
Bracing: A patellar knee brace or taping may be recommended to support proper kneecap alignment during activity.
Dry Needling: Used on tight or overactive muscles around the knee to release tension and improve mobility.
Ultrasound Therapy: Applied to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected tissues.
Massage: Focused on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and IT band to relieve tightness and improve knee flexibility.
Hot Stones: Used for overall muscle relaxation, easing tension in the surrounding muscles.
Cupping: Enhances blood flow and reduces muscle tension around the knee area.
Rehabilitation Plan: Includes progressive strengthening and flexibility exercises, with a focus on proper knee alignment and gait retraining to prevent recurrence.