Runners Knee – Patellofemoral Syndrome

The knee is one of the body’s most important physical features. You could not move your leg in any direction or perform routine actions such as standing, bending, or walking without it. Additionally, the knee supports the upper body’s weight and helps you remain upright. Considering the knee bears so many heavy responsibilities, it should not be surprising the knee suffers many injuries. One such occurrence is a condition known as runner’s knee, which in medical terms is called patellofemoral pain syndrome or PFPS. There are many causes and many complications that could affect your everyday life, so it is important to get it treated right away. The place to start and where you can trust you’ll get the best care is Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists in Denver, Parker, or Aurora, Colorado.

OVERVIEW

Pain at the front of the knee is one of the most common knee problems. It is often a sign of overuse. In other words, the knee might have been exposed to too much or too frequent strain without being able to adapt to it fast enough. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. Although it can occur in non-athletes, it is often called “runner’s knee” because it is most common in people who participate in sports.

ABOUT THE KNEECAP

The kneecap (patella) connects muscles in the front of the thigh to the shinbone (tibia). As one bends or straightens the leg, the kneecap is pulled up or down. The movement of the kneecap is accommodated by a V-shaped notch (femoral groove) at one end of the thighbone (femur). The medial patella femoral ligament (MPFL)—located on the inside (medial side) of the knee—helps hold the kneecap in place and stop it from sliding/popping off the outer side (lateral side) of the knee. Several things can stop the patella from moving properly, all of which increase the forces and friction going through the kneecap, causing runner’s knee.

WHAT IS RUNNER’S KNEE?

Runner’s knee is one of the most common causes of front knee pain and accounts for approximately 25% of all knee injuries seen in sports injury clinics. While it is true that this is any injury that happens to virtually anyone, some risk factors may indicate the likeliness of developing problems.

Read more about Runner’s Knee on our new Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.