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Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain (PFP), means that you have pain in front of the knee or around the kneecap (patella). This is where the knee connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur).
Runner's knee may be caused by a structural defect, or a certain way of walking or running. Other causes may include:
Malalignment of the kneecap
Excessive training or overuse
Injury or trauma
Weak thigh muscles
Tight hamstrings
Tight Achilles tendons
Poor foot support
Walking or running with the feet rolling in while the thigh muscles pull the kneecap outward
These are the most common symptoms of runner's knee:
Pain in and around the kneecap that happens when you are active.
Pain after sitting for a long time with the knees bent. This sometimes causes weakness or feelings of instability.
Rubbing, grinding, or clicking sound of the kneecap that you hear or feel when you bend and straighten your knee
Kneecap that is tender to the touch
The symptoms of runner's knee may look like other conditions and health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose runner's knee by looking at your health history and doing a physical exam. X-rays may be needed for evaluation of the knee.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
The best course of treatment for runner's knee is to stop running until you can run again without pain. Treatment is aimed at alleviating pain and increasing strength range of motion. Treatments may include:
Strengthening exercises
Stretching exercises
Cold packs
Elevating the leg
Compression knee wrap
Medicines such as ibuprofen
Shoe inserts (orthotics)
Knee bracing
Patellofemoral taping
Preventing runner’s knee includes not overstressing your knees. You can do this by:
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Warming up before physical activity
Stretching before and after physical activity
Increasing your activities gradually
Wearing shoes appropriate for your physical activities
Running leaning forward with your knees bent
Runner's knee is pain in front of the knee or around the kneecap
It may be caused by overuse, a structural defect, or a certain way of walking or running.
Symptoms include pain, and rubbing, grinding, or clicking of the kneecap.
Treatment includes not running until the pain goes away, and strengthening and stretching exercises. Also cold packs, compression, and elevation may help. Medicine such as ibuprofen can lessen pain and reduce inflammation.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
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