Runner's Knee
RUNNER’S KNEE
AKA: Chondromalacia, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Mild to a sharp stabbing pain that can be located any where around the knee, including behind the knee cap and behind the knee.
- Possible popping or catching/locking sensation could be present on flexion and extension
DEFINITION & ANATOMY
- Runner’s knee is any pain that is in the area of the knee
- The function of the knee is flexion and extension to assist in movement, but has limited rotational abilities
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
- Most common mechanism is a track problem where the patella begins gliding laterally, instead of straight up and down. This happens from muscle inbalances between the vastus medialis and lateralis. Usually a weakness of the VM.
- Hyperpronation (falling arches) of the foot causes repetitive stresses that are transmitted up the kinetic chain.
- Planting of the foot to make a turn and rotating through the knee, instead of pivoting on the foot.
- Females can be more vulnerable do to wider Q angles of the pelvis
- Biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, pelvis, leg length discrepancy, all resulting in excessive stresses (see gait cycle)
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
- Use of ice to control pain, reduce swelling and inflammation
- Stretching of the quadriceps
- Strengthening of the vastus lateralis muscle
- Stabilizing orthotics if additional stresses are resulting from asymmetrical foot function
- Have an analysis of gait cycle (running & walking) by a biomechanical specialist (see OPTOGAIT)
