Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or runner’s knee, is the most common overuse injury among athletes. But it’s not just runners who get it – anyone who does activities that stress the knee joint can. Learn more about this highly prevalent and cumbersome injury so you know how to protect yourself from its pervasiveness.
Runner’s Knee Causes and Symptoms
So, what causes a runner’s knee? It’s often biomechanical imbalances, poor footwear, overtraining, or a combination of the above. Any repetitive leg strain can cause inflammation and irritation of the tissues around the kneecap, making everyday activities like going up stairs or squatting painful. Furthermore, misalignment of the kneecap, weak quadriceps, tight hamstrings, and the lack of arch support can aggravate the condition.
Poor running mechanics, especially due to muscle fatigue, can also lead to patellofemoral pain syndrome. Knowing the difference between ‘jumper’s knee’ vs ‘runner’s knee’ is also important to creating a proper intervention plan. The former is pain at the base of the kneecap due to tendon stress, and the latter is cartilage irritation or joint misalignment.
One of the runner’s knee symptoms is a dull ache around or behind the kneecap, especially when going upstairs, squatting, or sitting for hours. Another hallmark of the condition is pain worsening after running or other high-impact activities.
Icing a runner’s knee and reducing activity may temporarily give relief but won’t address the underlying issues. That’s where podiatry comes in. It offers a holistic approach to recovery and prevention.
Proper Diagnosis of Runner’s Knee
Proper diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome is important to create a treatment plan for the condition. A physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans are often needed to rule out other causes of knee pain. Consulting a podiatrist can give you a thorough assessment of the knee joint and surrounding tissues, as they can pinpoint the source of the pain and create a personalised treatment plan for you.
Podiatry in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment
If you’re wondering how to treat runner’s knee effectively, podiatry focuses on finding and fixing the root causes. Podiatry combines diagnostic precision with intervention plans that get you back to running without delay. Here are some of the advanced methods used:
1. Footwear Assessments for Support
Your footwear can make or break your recovery. Podiatrists do thorough footwear assessments to ensure your shoes have enough support, cushioning, and stability. They consider factors such as arch height, pronation patterns, and the type of running surface you run on. This not only relieves current symptoms but also reduces the risk of re-injury.
2. Mobilisation Exercises for Joint Function
Joint and muscle imbalances often cause runner’s knee. Mobilisation exercises tailored to your needs help to restore proper alignment and range of motion. These exercises target weak or tight areas such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, improve overall biomechanics, and reduce stress on the knee joint. Deep squats can also strengthen the legs and simultaneously improve running mechanics.
3. Custom Orthoses for Biomechanical Correction
Orthotic devices or orthoses are helpful in runner’s knee treatment. These custom-made inserts address biomechanical issues such as overpronation or insufficient arch support. By redistributing pressure evenly across the foot and leg, orthoses minimise stress on the knee and help hasten recovery safely.
4. Shockwave Therapy for Faster Recovery
Shockwave Therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that promotes tissue repair. By delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, Shockwave Therapy creates microtrauma in the tissue and stimulates an inflammatory response that gets the body’s natural healing process going. This treatment also increases local blood flow, brings oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue, and removes metabolic waste.
Shockwave Therapy also promotes fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, which is important for repairing cartilage and tendon structures. This approach, when coupled with other techniques, is very useful for chronic runner’s knee or those with tendon damage and gets you back to running faster and longer.
5. 3D Infrared Gait Analysis for Accurate Diagnosis
Knowing your gait pattern is key to effective treatment. 3D infrared gait analysis gives a detailed real-time view of how your body moves when you walk and run. This technology highlights abnormalities such as uneven weight distribution or poor stride mechanics so you can target your treatment more accurately.
RehaWalk® is a state-of-the-art treadmill with pressure sensors and advanced gait analysis to give insights into your movement patterns. It is not only for diagnosis but also acts as a rehabilitation tool by guiding you through customised exercises to correct imbalances and recover. Whether you’re running with runner’s knee or just starting your recovery journey, RehaWalk® ensures every step you take is for healing.
Can You Run With a Runner’s Knee?
Athletes often ask, “Should I run with runner’s knee?” The answer depends on the severity of your symptoms and stage of recovery.
Running with runner’s knee without addressing the underlying issues will worsen the condition, delay recovery, and potentially cause long-term damage. However, many runners can return to sport sooner with proper podiatric intervention such as orthoses, Shockwave Therapy, and gait rehabilitation.
Myths about Runner’s Knee
There are several myths about patellofemoral pain syndrome that can delay or mismanage intervention. One common myth is that PFPS only affects runners. In reality, anyone who does activities that involve repetitive knee bending and straightening, such as cycling or even prolonged sitting due to their occupation, can develop this condition.
Another myth is that PFPS is a minor issue that will resolve itself with rest and ice. While these may temporarily relieve you, they don’t address the underlying causes. Proper management and rehabilitation are key to preventing chronic pain and further knee injuries. Knowing these myths will help you get the proper care and avoid long-term complications.
When to See a Podiatrist for Runner’s Knee
You should see a podiatrist or sports medicine professional if you have persistent or severe knee pain. Immediate attention is required if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden severe knee pain
- Swelling or bruising around the knee
- Unable to walk or bear weight on the knee
- Instability or feeling the knee is giving way
- Heat or redness around the knee
Early diagnosis and management will prevent injury and chronic pain and get you back to your sport sooner. Don’t ignore the signs. Seeking early advice can make a big difference to your knee and overall health.
The Road to Recovery
Runner’s knee can be frustrating, especially when it comes to your love for running or other activities.
Our multimodal approach at The Foot Practice, including footwear assessments, and advanced technologies like RehaWalk®, provides a solution beyond symptom management. If you’re experiencing runner’s knee symptoms, don’t wait to seek professional guidance. Book your appointment today to start taking the proper steps towards recovery with The Foot Practice.
