Runners Knee - Overview and Considerations
What is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s Knee can refer to a number of injuries resulting from overuse,
causing pain around the knee cap (patella).
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common type of Runner’s Knee. It’s name comes from it’s high prevalence in runners, where the repeated stress on the knee causes irritation where the patella rests on the thigh bone.
The pain can be sudden and piercing or chronic and dull.
Runner’s Knee is most likely to occur when the hamstrings and quadriceps are too tight and inflexible. This leaves the patella unsupported creating pressure and causing it to move from its correct position.
Runner’s Knee can be related to tension or weakness in the hip (gluteus
medius muscle).
What Are the Symptoms of Runner’s Knee?
Symptoms may be felt in one or both knees
- Pain will centre around and behind the patella
- When you bend your knee from kneeling, squatting or even getting up from a chair
- Sometimes you may experience a cracking sensation
- The knee seems to give way
- It is more painful when walking down hill or downstairs
Who Is Prone to Runner’s Knee?
- Women are more likely to get Runner’s Knee than men. This is due to their
- wider hips which causes a greater angling of the knee to the thighbone,
- creating increased stress on the knee cap.
- Younger runners (teens) as well as those who run for recreational purposes tend to suffer most
- Hikers, cyclists and even ofice workers - those who sit for long periods can get Runner’s Knee
- As many as 40% of professional cyclists will develop a form of Runner’s Knee once a year
- It typically affects athletes whose activities require repeated bending of the knee, e.g. jumping, biking and walking.
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes within the context of continuing education for massage therapists, continuing education for athletic trainers, continuing education for physical therapists, continuing education for chiropractors, and continuing education for rehabilitation professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reflect current understanding at the time of publication, practitioners must always work within the legal scope of their professional practice and follow all regional regulatory guidelines.
Hands-on techniques and clinical applications described in this material should only be performed by appropriately trained and licensed professionals. Individuals experiencing pain or symptoms should be referred to a qualified healthcare provider for assessment. Niel Asher Education is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this content.
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