Runner’s Knee Treatment in Kenya

Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of several conditions that cause pain around the kneecap. These conditions include anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, chondromalacia patella, and iliotibial band syndrome.

Symptoms

The hallmark of a runner’s knee is dull, aching pain around or behind the kneecap, or patella, especially where it meets the lower part of the thighbone or femur.

You may feel pain when:

• walking
• climbing or descending stairs
• squatting
• kneeling
• running
• sitting down or standing up
• sitting for a long time with the knee bent

Other symptoms include swelling and popping or grinding in the knee.

Causes

The pain of a runner’s knee may be caused by irritation of the soft tissues or lining of the knee, worn or torn cartilage, or strained tendons. Any of the following can also contribute to a runner’s knee:

• overuse
• trauma to the kneecap
• misalignment of the kneecap
• complete or partial dislocation of the
• kneecap
• flat feet
• weak or tight thigh muscles
• inadequate stretching before exercise
• arthritis
• a fractured kneecap
• plica syndrome or synovial plica syndrome, in which the lining of the joint becomes thickened and inflamed

In some cases, pain begins in the back or hip and is transmitted to the knee. This is known as “referred pain.”

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

The best course of treatment for the runner’s knee is to stop running until you can run again without pain. Treatment is aimed at alleviating pain and increasing the strength range of motion. Treatments may include:

• Strengthening exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Cold packs
• Elevating the leg
• Compression knee wrap
• Medicines such as ibuprofen
• Shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Knee bracing
• Patellofemoral taping