What?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or runner’s knee, as you may have guessed is a common injury among runners. The high and constant impact from running can cause stress and irritation where the kneecap rests on the thighbone. Although in some cases the sharp and sudden pain may disappear during running, it will often return afterwards. The stress of running can irritate where the kneecap (patella) rests on the thighbone.
Who?
Runners' Knees can affect either one or both knees and is generally more common in younger runners. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, women are twice as likely to suffer from Runners Knee as they have “wider hips, resulting in a greater angling of the thighbone to the knee, which puts the kneecap under more stress”.
Why?
There can be several causes of Runners Knee including biomechanical problems. Other causes include:
Worn cartilage in the knee joint reduces shock absorption
Pelvis or Lumbar spine pain causes referred pain in your knee.
High-arched feet provide less cushioning
Flat feet or knees that turn in or out excessively
Tight hamstring and calf muscles put pressure on the knee
Weak quadriceps muscles cause the patella to track out of alignment.
Repetitive force of a normal running stride
Symptoms?
Pain in the front of the knee.
Grinding or crunching sensation within the knee with movement
Pain worsens when moving.
Knee swelling.
Stiffness after rest.
Prevention?
Run on softer surfaces and gradually increase your mileage and hill work.
Ensure you have the correct runners for your feet by taking advantage of sports shops that offer trainer-fitting services.
Include strengthening exercises into your training that target your quads and incorporate stretches for your hamstrings and calves.
If you start to feel pain, reduce pressure on the knee by cutting your mileage as soon as possible.
Avoid uneven surfaces, hills and sharps bends.
Have regular check-ups with an Osteopath to ensure your alignment is correct, which may help prevent any problems.
Treatment
It may be beneficial to get an Osteopath to check your pelvis to see if there are any underlying issues causing knee pain. Rest your knee as much as possible and avoid any movement that makes it worse such as running, standing for long periods, or lunging.
Ice your knee to reduce swelling (20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours until the pain is gone)Use an elastic bandage or strap to support the kneeDo simple stretching and strengthening exercises for your quads.
Any Osteopath can show you which ones to do. Elevate your leg on a pillow when you sit or lie down. Try orthotics for your shoes, which will help with the positioning of your feet.
If pain persists or gets worse after 3-4 days then we always advise you to seek professional advice
This blog "What is Runners Knee?" was written by Whole Health Osteopath Dr Jess. Whole Health Osteopathy was established in 2017 and is located at 855 Plenty Road, South Morang, 3752.