“Runner’s knee” refers to a group of several medical conditions that cause pain around the front of the knee. It is common among athletes who place heavy stress on the knees during their sport eg. , running, basketball, skiing, cycling and soccer.
What causes runner’s knee?
- Patellar maltracking (Misaligned kneecap)
- Patella dislocation
- Excessive training or overuse
- Quadriceps or hamstring tightness
- Quadriceps or hamstring weakness
- Flat feet
How does a runner’s knee present?
- Dull, aching pain around the kneecap.
- Pain usually aggravates on walking up or down stairs, kneeling, squatting and sitting with knee bent for long periods. These are situations where there is a lot of stress transmitted across the patellofemoral joint
How is the condition treated?
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Refraining from activities that hurt the knee eg., running, jumping, etc.
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E. therapy) and an anti-inflammatory medication will help reduce the initial pain and swelling.
- A knee brace will help to walk without pain and limp.
Surgery
If the pain does not subside with the above treatment, an arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery may be needed to remove damaged cartilage or to realign the kneecap.