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Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, causes pain around the kneecap due to overuse or misalignment. Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging tests, while treatment includes rest, ice, strengthening exercises, and sometimes surgery for severe cases. Learn more about diagnosis and treatment options at UPMC.
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or anterior knee pain syndrome is a term that refers to pain in the front of the knee and around the patella, or kneecap. It is sometimes called "jumper's knee" or "runner's knee" because it is common in athletes.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when your patella (kneecap) cartilage becomes overloaded due to overuse, often caused by high-impact activities, or as a result of poor alignment.
You are more likely to develop patellofemoral pain syndrome if you play high-impact sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and tennis, or if you are a runner.
These activities all have the potential to aggravate the patella cartilage. In addition, running on uneven surfaces, like hills or trails, or playing on multiple surfaces (such as hard and clay courts in tennis) also may increase the likelihood of patellofemoral pain.
The most common symptom of patellofemoral pain syndrome is a dull ache underneath your kneecap while walking down stairs, squatting, or getting up after sitting for long periods of time. In addition, your knee may catch when bending, and you may experience a painful grating or creaking sensation.
Your doctor will diagnose the injury by examining your knee area. Because the kneecap is easily accessible, he or she can quickly test for patellofemoral pain and tenderness by moving your kneecap and checking how well it moves as you flex and extend your leg.
After this brief exam, your doctor will be able to tell whether your discomfort is due to patellofemoral pain syndrome or another knee problem. Your doctor may request X-rays and/or an MRI for a closer look at your knee.
The best way to treat patellofemoral pain syndrome is to rest and avoid activities that cause pain. Ice and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to treat any swelling or pain that may occur.
Targeted physical therapy and strengthening exercises will also facilitate recovery. Shoe inserts, knee braces or sleeves also can be used to provide the knee with more support and help prevent the knee from buckling. Bracing the knee stabilizes the kneecap and can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
If conservative treatments of your runner's knee are not effective and your symptoms continue to worsen, surgery may be needed to correct malalignment of the patella.
It may not be possible to totally prevent patellofemoral pain syndrome; however, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and avoid making the condition worse.
These measures include:
You may be a candidate for the Return to Play program if you are an athlete who has been treated for a sports injury, completed physical therapy, and is looking for additional support to help you safely and confidently reengage with your sport.
