Runner's Knee

Definition

A softening or wearing away and cracking of the cartilage under the kneecap, resulting in pain and inflammation. The cartilage becomes like sandpaper because the kneecap is not riding smoothly over the knee.

Symptoms

Pain beneath or on the sides of the kneecap crepitus (grinding noise), as the rough cartilage rubs against cartilage when the knee is flexed.

Pain is most severe after hill running

Swelling of the knee

Causes

overpronation (feet rotate too far inward on impact) - can cause the kneecap to twist sideways fatigued or weak quadriceps muscle. The quadriceps muscle assists in the proper tracking of the kneecap.

Weakness, especially of the inside part of the quadriceps, can prevent the kneecap from tracking smoothly muscle imbalance - between weak quadricepsand tight hamstring and iliotibial band (ITB)

Muscles can also affect proper tracking hill running (especially down hills) and running on cambered surfaces

Incorrect or worn shoes

Overtraining

Self Treatment

Stop running

Take a course (5 - 7 days) of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(ibuprofen/voltaren/cataflam/mobic) available from your general practitioner or pharmacist

Apply ice to the shin area - for 10 minutes every 2 hours, in order to reduce the inflammation

Avoid weight-bearing activities and keep foot elevated where possible

Self-massage - using anti-inflammatory gel, on the sore spots around the knee

stretch 2 - 3 times per day.

Strengthen the quadriceps muscle only when pain-free.

Exercises

Place pillow under knee, tighten quadriceps, push knee down into pillow and lift foot up. 20 times

Repeat exercise as above with foot turned out in order to strengthen the inside of the quadriceps muscle. Repeat ×20.

Squats. Perform with back against wall. Bend knees slowly to between 45 - 60°. Ensure that knee travels over line between bigand second toes. Hold for a count of 5 seconds. Relax slowly. 20 times

Step-downs. Stand on step or box. Tighten quadriceps and lower opposite leg slowly to the ground.Ensure that knee travels over line and between big and second toes.Then raise the leg up onto the step,relax. Repeat × 20. Increase the number of repetitions in increments of 5 every two days, all the way up to 60 reps.

Stretching - of the quadriceps, hamstring, iliotibial band (ITB) and gluteal muscles

Return to running gradually

Full recovery is usually between four to six weeks

Medical treatment

If injury doesn't respond to self-treatment in two weeks, see a Sports Medicine Doctor or Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthotist or podiatrist for custom-made orthotics to control overpronation

Orthopaedic surgeon - surgery to scrape away rough edges of cartilage may alleviate some pain.

Cortisone injections are ineffective

Alternative exercises

Swimming, pool running, cycling (in low gear) "spinning"

Avoid any exercise that places strain onto the knee

Preventative measures

Stretching of the quadriceps, hamstring, iliotibial band (ITB) and gluteal muscles. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, relax slowly. Repeat stretches 2 - 3 times per day.

Remember to stretch well before running, strengthening of quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles

Purchase the correct shoes, specifically motion-control shoes and orthotics to correct overpronation

Avoid excessive downhill running, and cambered roads (stay on the flattest part of the road) .

Gradual progression of training program

Incorporate rest into training program

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Self-diagnosis of injuries is not recommended. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of all injuries.

<< Back to Injury Prevention

Need help with your event?

OFF 'N RUNNING can help plan and execute your next running or triathlon event. Contact us today!