By Emma MacDonald, posted March 2021.
Runner’s knee, or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, is an overuse injury. It causes pain at the front of the knee. Despite its name, runner’s knee can affect anyone who is active. It often appears in people who cycle, walk long distances, or ride horses.
The pain usually begins during activity and may last several hours, disappearing during periods of rest.
Runner’s knee does not cause tissue damage. The tendons and cartilage remain intact. The pain instead comes from inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Think of this as your body’s way of warning you that you’d better rest before more serious damage occurs!
As an overuse injury, runner’s knee occurs when repeated stress overloads the joint and the surrounding tissues cannot handle the intensity.
Therefore, correct strengthening exercises of the hip and knee muscles are key to preventing this syndrome from occurring. Focusing particularly on the gluteus medius and maximus (both these muscles are in the bottom and are in the walking/running gait cycle) and the quadricep (thigh muscle) group, maximum support can be given to the knee.
This strengthens the knee so it can handle more load, leading to less pain, better performance, and a happier you!
Our Soft Tissue Specialist, Emma MacDonald, treats a wide range of sporting injuries such as runner’s knee. She also helps people who struggle with muscle pain and mobility limitations.
Book your spot to see Emma here at our Guildford branch.