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Runner's Knee
Understanding, Diagnosing, & Treating
Runner's Knee
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Runner's Knee
Runner’s knee, clinically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, refers to pain felt around or behind the kneecap.
Despite its name, it doesn’t only affect runners. It is common in anyone who places repeated load through the knee, including walkers, gym users, and people who spend long periods sitting with the knees bent.
Symptoms usually develop gradually and are often linked to changes in activity levels, training load, or movement patterns.
Signs & Symptoms of Runner's Knee
Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to more persistent pain that affects daily activity.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain when running or exercising
- Discomfort when squatting or climbing stairs
- Tenderness around the knee
- Swelling in some cases
- Grinding, clicking or popping sensations
- Stiffness after sitting for long periods
What Can Cause Runner's Knee?
Runner’s knee is usually caused by repeated stress through the knee rather than a single injury.
Common factors include sudden increases in activity, weakness in the hips or thighs, poor movement or running mechanics, and unsuitable footwear. It can also develop when the knee is repeatedly loaded without enough recovery time.
Treatment Options For Runner's Knee
Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving knee function and gradually restoring strength, control and load tolerance around the knee.
Treatment may include:
- Progressive strengthening exercises for the hips, thighs and knee
- Balance and single-leg control exercises
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Taping techniques to support kneecap tracking and reduce pain
- Gait retraining and movement pattern correction
- Advice on activity modification and gradual return to running
At Balanced Physiotherapy, we will identify the contributing factors to your knee pain and create a personalised rehabilitation programme to reduce symptoms, improve movement and help you return to running, sport and everyday activities with confidence.
