Runner's Knee

PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME, also known as anterior knee pain, runner's knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome and chondromalacia, refers to pain arising from the joint between the kneecap (patella) and the underlying thigh bone (femur). It most often results from overuse of the knee.

When the knee is bent and straightened, the patella slides up and down within a groove on the end of the femur. With repeated bending and straightening, such as during activities such as walking, running, jumping and cycling, the underneath surface of the patella can become irritated. This can result in pain and occasionally swelling.

The main sensation associated with Patellofemoral Syndrome is pain. This is generally felt behind and around the patella. It is commonly aggravated by walking, running, going downstairs or sitting for a prolonged period of time with a bent knee. Associated with this pain may be a grinding noise heard when the knee is bent or straightened, a sensation of the knee giving way and weakness in the knee.

Patellofemoral syndrome typically does not get better on its own if the cause is not addressed and the aggravating activities/sport are continued. However, Patellofemoral Syndrome is easily treated and corrected by a Physiotherapist.

Your friendly Active Body Physiotherapist can easily diagnose your Patellofemoral Syndrome and get you started on treatment and exercises to rid your pain and aid in the correction of the underlying biomechanical cause of your knee pain and prevent Patellofemoral Syndrome becoming a recurrent/chronic knee pain. Some of this treatment may include initial activity modification, advice regarding the use of anti-inflammatory medications, soft tissue treatment, stretching and strengthening exercises. Certain taping techniques can be utilised in order to allow you to continue participating in sport pain-free, however, these taping techniques DO NOT solve the problem and/or eradicate your pain in the long term.

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