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Runner’s knee is the common name for a condition known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
We often see people coming in with pain occurring around their kneecaps. Knee pain can be highly concerning—especially if you’re an athlete or making your way into a fitness journey.
What is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee is the common name for a condition known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). If you have pain occurring around the kneecap, you may have PFPS. When you have PFPS, your nerves sense pain somewhere within the bones or soft tissues surrounding the kneecap.
The knee is the largest joint of the body and is used in many activities. This condition is one of the most common sources of knee pain, especially after running or strenuous activities hard on your knees.
The pain associated with PFPS is typically more of a dull, constant ache rather than a sharp stabbing feeling. This pain can range anywhere from mild to severe.
Who Can Get Runner’s Knee?
Anyone can get PFPS! Often, highly active people or those in the early stages of their fitness journey are more susceptible. However, we’ve seen cases in non-athletes as well. Women and young adults are especially prone.
Beginning runners get runner’s knee because typically, they start their journey with excitement—which is good! However, a change in activity that is too rapid can cause injuries such as this. It’s best to increase mileage by about 10% each week instead of shocking your body into a rigorous training schedule.
Can Runner’s Knee be Treated?
Yes! Runner’s knee can have many causes, but the root cause of your runner’s knee can be addressed and help you be back to running within just a few weeks.
At Essex’s, we can help identify the cause of your injury and address the problem directly. This is the fastest way to get on the path to recovery.
If your runner’s knee isn’t bothering you enough to justify a trip to the doctor, we suggest trying a few things:
- Make sure you are increasing mileage and/or training in a sustainable manner. Ultimately, don’t try to do too much all at once!
- Incorporate more stretches into your routine.
- Incorporate strength training.
- Add yoga sessions into your routine.
- Take a rest day or two!
Ultimately, we know knee pain can be scary—especially if you’re training for a race or another event. However, you do have options. It’s not something you have to live with permanently!
If you're experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, it could be a sign of nerve compression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments and therapies available to manage these conditions.
If you're experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, it could be a sign of nerve compression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments and therapies available to manage these conditions.
If you're experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, it could be a sign of nerve compression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments and therapies available to manage these conditions.
If you're experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, it could be a sign of nerve compression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments and therapies available to manage these conditions.
