Get Back on Track: Understanding and Beating Runner’s Knee for Good

Are you an athlete or a fitness enthusiast struggling with persistent knee pain? You might be dealing with one of the most common causes of knee pain called Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)—often referred to as Runner’s Knee. If left untreated, this condition can impact your performance and quality of life. Ready to learn more and how to tackle it head-on? Let’s dive in!

Common Signs and Symptoms of Runner’s Knee

• Dull, achy pain in the front (anterior) part of the knee
• Increases with repetitive movements like ascending/ descending stairs, jumping, squatting and prolonged sitting with knees flexed (commonly referred to as the Movie-Goer’s Sign)
• Mild instability or patellar crepitus

What causes Runner’s Knee?

• A sudden increase in activity
• Patellar or biomechanical abnormalities such as a tight iliotibial (IT), Weakness in the Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) muscle, and an increased Q-angle.
• Tightness in the quadriceps or hamstring muscles
• Poor foot stability
• Muscle strength imbalances in the hips, legs, and foot, that put excessive strain on the patellofemoral joint during movement