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Knee Problems
Among the commonly occurring problems to runners those which pertain to the legs, thighs, foot and knee. Some of the knee problems faced by runners are:
Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
The knee is a complex joint. It includes the articulation between the tibia and femur (leg and thigh) and the patella (knee cap). The most common knee problems in running relate to what is called the "patellofemoral complex".
This consists of the quadriceps, knee cap and patellar tendon. What is now called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is also known as runner's knee. For many years runner's knee was considered to be chondromalacia of the patella. This essentially means a softening of the cartilage of the knee cap.
All patello-femoral pain though may not be caused by this mechanism, although uneven stresses across the joint are believed to play an important role in the development of pain in this area.
Causes:Factors that increase the "Q" (Quadriceps) angle increases the chance of having runners knee. The Q angle is an estimate of the effective angle at which the quadriceps averages its pull.
SymptomsThe symptoms of runners knee include:
- Pain near the knee cap usually at the medial (inner) portion and below it.
- Pain is usually also felt after sitting for a long period of time with the knees bent
- Running downhill and sometimes even walking down stairs can be followed by pain
- At an early stage running should be decreased to lessen stress to this area and allow healing to begin
- It is important to avoid downhill running which stresses the patello-femoral complex
- Exercises performed with the knee bent should be avoided
- Stretch tight posterior muscles
- Avoid exercises or activities that require your knees to be bent
- Avoid running or walking downhill, downstairs or down inclines
Dislocating Kneecap
A dislocating kneecap causes acute symptoms during the dislocation, but can also lead to chronic knee pain. Patients who have a dislocating kneecap may improve with some specific physical therapy strengthening exercises.
Plica Syndrome
Plica syndrome occurs when there is irritation of the lining of the knee joint. Part of the lining of the knee joint is more prominent in some individuals, and can form a so-called plica shelf. If this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause knee pain.