Physio for Runners Knee

Pain which occurs around the front of the knee cap (patella) is an indicator that you may be experiencing ‘Runners Knee’. The name for this diagnosis may seem a bit strange, particularly given this condition is often experienced by people who don’t even run! This is a general term often used to describe knee pain, but clinically it is referred to as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or patella mal-tracking or chondromalacia patellae. There are a wide range of causes for pain around the knee and knee cap, and it is important to visit your physio if you are concerned.

How Does Runners Knee Occur?

Runner’s knee is a condition which can affect people of all ages. Whilst it can develop from running, it can also develop during other activities which involve an increased load on the knee. The quadriceps and gluteals and other muscles which support the knee/lower limb, can also weaken over time, leading to pain. 

It is important to ease into new activities slowly, as a rapid increase of repetitive loading, particularly squatting or other loaded bent knee activities can result in pain developing. 

Overuse, trauma, poor alignment, poor gait and poor quadricep strength are all factors which can cause runner’s knee. The following activities involve an increased load around the knee and may lead to the development of this condition:

• Walking

• Running

• Climbing a set of stairs

• Cycling

• Squatting

• Lunges

Typical Symptoms of Runners Knee

Pain is typically felt around the kneecap area, which is where the patella meets with the thigh bone (femur). The patellofemoral joint plays an important role, as it enables us to climb, walk on an incline and perform many other knee movements. People with runners’ knee will typically experience the following:

• Soreness around the knee which worsens with activity

• Pain following squatting movements or after ascending/descending stairs

• Pain after remaining seated for extended periods with bent knees

• Pain associated with grinding/clicking sound in the kneecap which can be heard when bending and straightening the knee

• Tenderness around the kneecap

Treatment for Knee Pain

It is important to take time to rest and recuperate to allow your knee to heal. You may wish to use ice to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Taping or bracing can also assist.

During your consultation at Orthosports Physio, a full biomechanical assessment will be undertaken before a tailored treatment plan is proposed. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a list of appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises to support your recovery. 

It is important to note that prevention is always better than a cure. To reduce risk of recurring injury, you should remember to stretch and warm up before exercise. This will help to prevent irritation to the tissues surrounding the patella. It is also very important to train with comfort. If the training session is comfortable but you experience pain that night or the next day after the training session, then it is important to modify the training session to eliminate the delayed pain response.

Suffering from Runners Knee? Visit Orthosports Physio Today

To book an appointment, please call 9744 2201 today. The team at Orthosports Physio have a wealth of experience in treating runners’ knee, and we look forward to seeing you at our Concord clinic soon.