As the name suggests, Runner’s knee is a common injury among runners. However, “Runner’s knee” isn’t really a specific diagnosis, and it can also affect any athlete who does activities that require a lot of knee bending — like cycling, jumping, or squatting. Depending on the athlete, it may also be called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), “Jumper’s Knee,” or the newly coined “CrossFitter’s knee.” It usually causes aching pain around or under the kneecap.
Runner’s knee is typically associated with pain behind or around the patella or kneecap, especially where the thighbone and the kneecap meet (patellofemoral joint). Pain usually worsens or increases when you bend the knee, such as going up or down stairs, squatting, kneeling, running, or even rising from a chair. Occasionally swelling occurs around the knee cap, and you may experience some popping or grinding sensations in the knee.
Since Runner’s knee loosely describes several specific diagnoses with different causes, individuals often respond very differently to treatment. Runner’s knee can result from the following:
The standard self-treatment protocol encourages R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), as well as taking anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs, usually ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, usually Tylenol. Due to the wide range of causes, results with this approach will vary, and we find that most athletes do NOT want to take 4 or more weeks away from their sport of choice.
Stretching and foam rolling the muscles of the quadriceps will help ensure that the knee cap isn’t being overstressed in one direction during repetitive exercises like running, cycling or some CrossFit WODs. Proper footwear and glute strengthening exercises will decrease the risk of the knee suffering from “middle child syndrome.” Proper rest and recovery after workouts also plays an important role in avoiding any sports-related injury. Many find kinesiotaping provides pain relief, just make sure you follow an appropriate set of instructions. Here’s a good starting point.
Be smart! If you aren’t getting better, get some help. I can’t tell you how many patients come to us after waiting months or even years before seeking treatment. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get rid of your symptoms! Here are some tips for finding the right health care professional:
On your first visit, we’re going to watch the way you move. That typically means gait analysis on the treadmill and/or performing multiple squat reps, as well as performing several functional movement screens. We need to evaluate the way you move and identify any compensations you developed to know why your knee is causing you pain. Once we establish the underlying cause, we can start a targeted treatment plan involving soft tissue treatments and any necessary joint manipulations and exercises. This WILL require homework from you! We provide a team approach. We’re not here just to fix you, we want to educate you on why this injury occurred and give you the information you need to keep it from happening again!
Here’s a short video from our colleagues at Athlete Enhancement demonstrating how the “knees out” cue during Olympic lifts can lead to knee pain if not performed properly.