Runner’s knee is a term used to refer to a number of medical conditions that cause pain around the front and side of the knee. Running puts tremendous stress to the joint of the leg and surrounding structures and can cause several types of pain including:

• Pain Around the Kneecap: Patellofemoral syndrome, Chondromalacia, Bursitis
• Pain to the Outer Side of the Knee: IT Band Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain may be the result of irritation of the soft tissues around the front of the knee. Other contributing factors to patellofemoral pain include overuse, muscle imbalance and inadequate stretching. The kneecap can also go out of alignment with overuse conditons, causing excessive stress and wear on the cartilage of the kneecap. This can lead to softening and breakdown of the cartilage of the patella called Chondromalacia Patella.

Symptoms of Runner’s Knee include:

• Dull, aching pain under or around the front of the kneecap
• Pain when walking up or down stairs, kneeling, squatting, and sitting with a bent knee for a long period of time.
• Pain with running or jumping

Treatment of Runner’s Knee involves a multi-faceted approach, including:

• Sports Conditioning: Targeted muscle strengthening, flexibility and endurance testing
• Biomechanical Training: Running form and techniques
• Running Shoe and Foot Analysis
• Stretching Techniques
• Running Warm Up and Cool Down Techniques

Together, the program helps runners stay in shape and prevent injury, allowing runners to perform at their top capabilities while reducing the risk of pain and injury.