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Runner’s knee is the common term used to describe any one of several conditions that cause pain around the kneecap or patella. These conditions include: anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, chondromalacia patella, and iliotibial band syndrome.
As the name suggests, running is a common cause of runner’s knee, but any activity that repeatedly stresses the knee joint can cause the disorder, including walking, skiing, biking, jumping, cycling, and playing soccer.
According to the Harvard Medical School, runner’s knee is more common in women than in men, particularly in women of middle age. Overweight individuals are especially prone to the disorder.
The hallmark of runner’s knee is a dull, aching pain around or behind the kneecap, or patella, especially where it meets the lower part of the thighbone or femur.
You may feel pain when:
Other symptoms include swelling and popping or grinding in the knee.
In the case of iliotibial band syndrome, the pain is most acute on the outside of the knee. This is where the iliotibial band, which runs from the hip to the lower leg, connects to the tibia, or the thicker, inner bone of the lower leg.
The pain of runner’s knee may be caused by irritation of the soft tissues or lining of the knee, worn or torn cartilage, or strained tendons. Any of the following can also contribute to runner’s knee:
In some cases, pain begins in the back or hip and is transmitted to the knee. This is known as "referred pain."
To confirm a diagnosis of runner’s knee, your doctor will obtain a complete history and conduct a thorough physical examination that may include a blood test, X-rays, an MRI scan, or a CT scan.
Your doctor will tailor your treatment to the underlying cause, but in most cases, runner’s knee can be successfully treated without surgery. Most often, the first step in treatment is to practice RICE:
If you need additional pain relief, you can take certain over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient found in Tylenol, can also help. You may want to talk to your doctor before taking these medicines, especially if you suffer from other conditions or take other prescription medications.
Once the pain and swelling has subsided, your doctor may recommend specific exercises or physical therapy to restore your knee’s full strength and range of motion. They may tape your knee or give you a brace to provide extra support and pain relief. You may also need to wear shoe inserts known as orthotics.
Surgery may be recommended if your cartilage is damaged or if your kneecap needs to be realigned.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following steps to prevent runner’s knee:
Written by: Maureen Donohue
Medically reviewed on: Jan 15, 2016: William A Morrison, MD
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