Aching For Runner’s Knee
Runner’s Knee is not good news if you are training for a running event, it is a sign that you have some underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Even though this is a fairly common injury if you are a dedicated runner, it is a preventable condition.
What is Runner’s Knee
The clinical name is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), and the cause of this injury varies. You will notice that the pain is worse when you are on uneven terrain, or when you are walking up or down an incline. Moving the knee after rest will also cause sharp shooting pain, or other activities that aggravates the muscles around the knee.
Aside from the pain, other signs include a click when you bend the knee, and your muscles are feeling a little tight around your kneecaps. The pain is caused by inflammation of the patellofemoral muscles that surrounds the patella, while the clicking sound comes from the kneecap rubbing against the bone due to incorrect tracking.
Causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
There are many causes of runner’s knee, from poor running techniques, improper running shoes to unsuitable training regime. When the muscles and tendons that holds the knee are unable to recover from injury, they start to swell and become inflamed. When the muscles are inflamed, they are weaker and thus the cycle repeats until the pain is unbearable.
As podiatrist, we seek to eliminate and counsel on all possible causes of PFPS, so you can go back on track. While you should rest your feet well in between runs, other important running habits include proper leg strengthening exercises that develops quad muscles, and stretching to help relax the tight muscles.
How to Avoid Runner’s Knee
A visit to the podiatry before you start training can help you avoid runner’s knee, mainly by addressing any biomechanical flaws, and adjusting your stride when you walk or run. A running regime that promotes good running habits, rather than going too hard too fast. If you are prone to runner’s knee, be more mindful about terrains and inclines. We can help you run better by making sure you run injury free.