Dr BurkeWhat Is Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)?
Runner’s knee, medically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a common condition that causes pain around the front of the knee and the kneecap (patella). Despite its name, runner’s knee can affect not only runners but also athletes and active individuals who participate in activities that put stress on the knee joint. This condition occurs when the patella does not move properly in its groove on the femur, leading to irritation, inflammation, and pain. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating runner’s knee with personalized care plans that help patients recover and return to their normal activities.
Runner’s knee refers to pain that arises from irritation or damage to the tissues surrounding the kneecap, particularly the cartilage. This condition often occurs due to improper alignment of the patella as it moves along the femur (thighbone) during activities like running, walking, or jumping. The abnormal tracking of the patella can cause excessive pressure on the joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
Runner’s knee can develop gradually due to repetitive stress on the knee or can be triggered by a sudden increase in activity levels. While athletes, especially runners, are commonly affected, anyone who engages in activities that stress the knee joint can develop this condition.
Causes of Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Several factors can contribute to the development of runner’s knee, ranging from improper knee mechanics to muscle imbalances. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive knee motion, such as running, jumping, or squatting, can lead to irritation of the tissues around the patella, causing inflammation and pain.
- Misalignment of the Patella: If the patella does not move smoothly in the femoral groove, it can lead to abnormal pressure on the knee joint. This misalignment is often due to muscle imbalances or structural abnormalities in the knee.
- Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Weakness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles can affect the alignment and stability of the kneecap. Imbalanced muscles may pull the patella out of its natural position during movement, leading to pain.
- Improper Foot Mechanics: Issues such as flat feet (overpronation) or high arches can affect the way the knee absorbs shock during movement. This can increase stress on the knee joint and contribute to runner’s knee.
- Tight Muscles: Tightness in the hamstrings, quadriceps, or calf muscles can place additional strain on the knee joint, affecting how the patella moves.
- Sudden Increase in Activity: A sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of physical activity without proper conditioning can overload the knee joint and trigger symptoms of runner’s knee.
Symptoms of Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
The primary symptom of runner’s knee is pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly during or after physical activity. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Knee Pain: Pain is typically felt at the front of the knee or around the kneecap. This pain may worsen with activities such as running, walking up or down stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods with bent knees.
- Grinding or Popping Sensation: Some individuals may experience a grinding, popping, or clicking sensation in the knee when moving it, especially when bending or straightening the leg.
- Swelling: Mild swelling around the knee may occur, especially after prolonged activity.
- Difficulty with Knee Flexion: Pain may be more noticeable when bending the knee, making it difficult to perform activities that involve deep knee flexion, such as kneeling or squatting.
- Tenderness: The area around the kneecap may be tender to the touch, particularly when pressure is applied to the front of the knee.
Diagnosis of Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing runner’s knee involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests to assess the alignment of the patella and rule out other potential causes of knee pain.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will evaluate the knee by checking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and pain during movement. They may ask you to perform specific activities, such as squatting or walking, to observe how your kneecap moves and whether there is any misalignment.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: X-rays can provide images of the bones in the knee and help rule out other conditions such as fractures or arthritis. While X-rays cannot show soft tissue injuries, they can detect abnormalities in the positioning of the patella.
- MRI or Ultrasound: In some cases, an MRI or ultrasound may be recommended to provide detailed images of the soft tissues in the knee, including the cartilage and ligaments. These imaging tests are helpful for identifying inflammation or damage to the tissues surrounding the patella.
Treatment for Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Treatment for runner’s knee at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on reducing pain, correcting the misalignment of the patella, and improving knee strength and function. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the knee, such as running or squatting, is essential to allow the tissues around the patella to heal. Resting the knee and modifying activity levels can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a key component of treating runner’s knee. A customized rehabilitation program will include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hip muscles, to improve patellar alignment and reduce stress on the joint. Stretching exercises for the hamstrings, calves, and IT band can also relieve tension on the knee.
- Orthotics and Proper Footwear: For individuals with foot alignment issues, such as flat feet or high arches, custom orthotic inserts or supportive footwear can help improve knee alignment and reduce stress on the patella.
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Applying ice to the affected area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee.
- Taping or Bracing: Taping the kneecap or using a patellar tracking brace can help guide the patella into proper alignment during movement, providing relief from pain and improving stability.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely needed for runner’s knee but may be considered if non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if there is significant structural damage to the tissues around the patella. Surgical options include:
- Lateral Release: In this procedure, the tight ligaments on the outer side of the knee are cut to allow the patella to move more freely and realign properly. This is typically done using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.
- Realignment Surgery: For individuals with severe patellar misalignment, a more extensive realignment procedure may be necessary to correct the positioning of the kneecap and improve its tracking within the femoral groove.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from runner’s knee depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks to months with proper rest and physical therapy.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients undergoing non-surgical treatments will typically begin physical therapy as soon as symptoms are identified. Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving patellar alignment and preventing future injuries. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the knee may need to be immobilized for a short period to allow healing, followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the knee. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to physical activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Runner’s Knee?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with runner’s knee, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is committed to helping patients relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you’re dealing with knee pain from sports or everyday activities, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to help you on your path to recovery.