There is perhaps no injury more associated with running than
the aptly named "runner's knee." This affliction, also known by its scientific
name, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS),
strikes most runners at some point in their careers. It is characterized by a
dull, aching pain on the top and front of the kneecap (aka- the patella).
This
pain can be felt during running, kneeling, walking upstairs or even just
sitting for a long period of time. While the pain is often not extreme in the
initial stages of injury, it can grow over time and hamper not only your
ability to run, but also cause everyday activities to be quite painful.
Runner's knee is typically an overuse injury and its causes
are wide ranging. A muscular imbalance in the hips or legs is one common source
of patellofemoral pain. If, for example, a hip is weak and its range of motion
is limited, the quadricep would have to do extra work to compensate for the
hip's weakness. The over-worked quad might then tug on the patella, causing an
onset of runner's knee.
Another cause of PFPS could be a malalignment in the
lower extremities. A physical examination by a medical professional is the most
effective way to determine the cause of your specific injury.
Even though runner's knee is quite prevalent, most cases are
minor and can be cured without the use of surgery. If you begin experiencing
pain on the front of the kneecap, it is important to reduce mileage or stop
running entirely to keep symptoms from worsening. Instead of running, swim or
bike for a few days. If you catch the injury early enough often several days of
cross-training will fix the problem.
Also, begin a regiment of icing the knee
as well as taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (be sure to
follow the label's instructions regarding dosage). Finally, seeing a physical
therapist who can work with you to strengthen any muscular imbalances is
important to cure runner's knee as well as to prevent a reoccurrence in the
future.
Often, cases of PFPS require you to strengthen your quads and hips. For
more info about hip strength, check out this article.
Runner's knee can be frustrating, but know that you will get
through this struggle and be back running pain free before you know it!
There is perhaps no injury more associated with running than
the aptly named "runner's knee." This affliction, also known by its scientific
name, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS),
strikes most runners at some point in their careers. It is characterized by a
dull, aching pain on the top and front of the kneecap (aka- the patella).
This
pain can be felt during running, kneeling, walking upstairs or even just
sitting for a long period of time. While the pain is often not extreme in the
initial stages of injury, it can grow over time and hamper not only your
ability to run, but also cause everyday activities to be quite painful.
