Runner’s Knee ( Patellofemoral Pain )
Runners, jumpers, and other athletes such as skiers, cyclists, and soccer players put heavy stress on their knees. Runner’s knee is a term used to refer to a number of medical conditions that cause pain around the front of the knee (patellofemoral pain). These conditions include anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, and chondromalacia patella.
Cause & Symptoms
Cause
The knee is a complex structure and is very sensitive. A number of factors can contribute to runner’s knee, including:
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Malalignment of the kneecap
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Complete or partial dislocation
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Injury
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Tightness, imbalance, or weakness of thigh muscles
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Flat feet
Patellofemoral pain may be the result of irritation of the soft tissues around the front of the knee. Strained tendons are fairly common in athletes. Other contributing factors to patellofemoral pain include overuse, muscle imbalance and inadequate stretching. Pain that begins in another part of the body, such as the back or hip, may cause pain in the knee (referred pain).
In some people with runner’s knee, the kneecap is out of alignment. If so, vigorous activities can cause excessive stress and wear on the cartilage of the kneecap. This can lead to softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the patella (chondromalacia patella) and cause pain in the underlying bone and irritation of the joint lining.
Symptoms
A dull, aching pain under or around the front of the kneecap (patella) where it connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur). Pain occurs when walking up or down stairs, kneeling, squatting, and sitting with a bent knee for a long period of time.
Diagnosis
Medical History
Your Great Lakes Orthopedics & Sports Medicine orthopedic physician will take a complete medical history and inquire about your symptoms. Tell your doctor about any sports participation or training you are involved in, and which activities aggravate your knee pain. Have there been any recent changes to the duration, frequency, or intensity of your activities? Any changes to the surfaces you run or play upon?
Physical Examination
Your doctor will perform a physical examination on your knee to help determine the cause of pain.
To assess your knee’s strength, mobility and alignment, the doctor may ask you to stand, walk, jump, squat, sit, and lie down.
The physical examination will include a check of the alignment of your lower leg, kneecap, and quadriceps; knee stability, hip rotation, and range of motion of knees and hips; under the kneecap for signs of tenderness; the attachment of thigh muscles to the kneecap; strength, flexibility, firmness, tone, and circumference of quadriceps and hamstring muscles; tightness of the heel cord and flexibility of the feet.
Imaging
The doctor may order diagnostic imaging studies, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and blood tests to rule out damage to the structure of the knee and the tissues that connect to it.
Treatment Options
Great Lakes Physical Therapy
The Physical Therapy team at Great Lakes Orthopedics offer a wide range of programs and specialized services to help our patients restore and maintain their physical strength, performance skills, and levels of function. Our well-trained, professional staff utilize the most progressive treatment options and techniques to ensure the best possible recoveries.
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