What Is a Runner's Knee?

A common injury affecting runners and sportsmen is the runner's knee, sometimes referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). It describes pain around the kneecap brought on by trauma or excessive activity of the knee joint. The definition, causes, available treatments, and preventative measures for running the knee are described in this article by fivalifitness.

Definition

Runner's knee, commonly known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a condition that causes pain around the kneecap (patella). It happens because of inflammation, damage, or overuse of the joint that joins the thigh bone to the kneecap. All ages can be affected by the illness, but athletes—such as runners, basketball players, and soccer players—are more likely to experience it.

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Causes

There are several different causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), sometimes known as runner's knee, but most cases arise from a confluence of variables. Typical causes include some of the following:

• Overuse: High-impact exercises like sprinting, jumping, and squatting can cause PFPS because of the repeated strain they place on the knee.
• Muscle imbalances: PFPS may result from the weakening or tightening of the muscles sustaining the knee joint. For instance, a weak quadriceps may cause the kneecap to move erratically and rub on the thigh bone's lower portion.
• Poor mechanics: During athletic activities, improper mechanics or alignment can place excessive strain on specific knee joint components, leading to PFPS.
• Trauma: A direct hit or fall on the knee can harm the bone or cartilage surrounding the kneecap, resulting in discomfort and swelling.
• Other factors: A running knee may also occur as a result of arthritis, flat feet, inappropriate footwear, or an abrupt increase in activity intensity.

Prevention

There are a number of ways to lower your chance of acquiring patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), sometimes known as running knee. Among these actions are a few of these:

• Proper footwear: When running or engaging in other high-impact activities, wearing shoes with sufficient support, cushioning, and shock absorption can lessen the strain on the knee joint.
• Wearing a patellar band or knee brace: Using a running knee brace can help stabilize the kneecap and lessen joint stress when running.
• Correct form and technique: Using correct form and technique when exercising can help to prevent PFPS and lessen stress on the knee joint.
• Strength training: Having stronger quadriceps and other surrounding muscles around the knee can help stabilize the joint and avoid PFPS.
• Cross-training: Changing up the kind of exercise one does can help lower the risk of overuse injuries brought on by repeatedly performing the same motions.
• Rest and recuperation: Allowing the body to rest and heal in between exercise sessions lowers the chance of acquiring PFPS and prevents overuse injuries.
• Steady increase in activity: Increasing the volume, duration, and intensity of physical exercise gradually can help the body adjust to the demands made on it and guard against overuse issues.

  fivalifitness.com

Reference

8 Exercises To Prevent Runner's Knee! - YouTube

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

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If you are experiencing any symptoms or discomfort, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional. Only a licensed healthcare practitioner can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.