Runner's knee
This is a pathology involving impaired movement of the patella (kneecap) against the femur. This is accompanied by knee joint pain, especially after physical activity.
"Runner's knee," also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFBS), is caused by the kneecap (patella) moving in the wrong direction against the thigh bone (femur). This misalignment puts more stress on the surfaces and connective tissue of the knee joint, which can lead to inflammation, cartilage degeneration, and pain in the kneecap. This syndrome is common among runners and other athletes who move their legs repeatedly. However, people with abnormally structured joints, bad posture, or weak lower-body muscles can also suffer from it.
Causes
High impact loads on the knee joint.
Thigh and lower leg muscle imbalance.
Flat feet or incorrect foot position.
Joint structure development abnormalities.
Chronic microtraumas of the articular surfaces.
Thigh muscle weakness or laxity.
Symptoms
Dull, aching pain around or under the patella.
Increased pain with physical activity, going up or down stairs.
Stiffness after straightening the leg in the knee joint.
Crunching or crepitation in the joint when moving.
Instability or locking in the knee.
After-effects
Without treatment, patellofemoral pain syndrome can cause:
Chondromalacia patellae - damage and thinning of the cartilage covering the articular surfaces.
Chronic pain and impaired mobility.
Progression of malposition of the patella and its structures, development of arthrosis.
Лечение
Nonsurgical treatment
In the early stages of the disease, the main treatment is nonsurgical. It aims to restore the normal way that the knee joint moves. It includes: Excluding running or jumping. Limiting physical activity during the acute phase of the disease. Using medications, including joint injections, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and pain. Massage and manual therapy to increase the elasticity of the tendons and muscles involved. Exercise therapy to strengthen thigh and lower leg muscles. Orthotics and taping, which includes special kneepads, orthotics, or taping to support the kneecap and correct its movement.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be needed if there are severe cartilage defects or if nonsurgical treatment doesn't work. The main procedure is arthroscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive and allows for a much shorter recovery time.
Schedule a visit to the clinic
How to reach
Moscow, 1st Yamskogo Polya Street, 15
Mon–Sun Around the clock
+7 495 255-50-03
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign