Definition

AKA Runner's Knee, is another term for anterior knee pain and inflammation that is a result from stress to the quad muscles which extend (or straighten) the knee. Could be a result of tightness in the hamstrings, iliotibial band (runs along the side of the leg from the hip to the outside of your knee) and calf, or weakness in the quads, specifically the VMO (inner quad muscle). In addition there may also be some hip muscle weakness.

Symptoms

Stiffness noted after prolonged periods of sitting and pain with activities such as going up and down stairs and running. There may be a feeling of your knee "giving out" and possible tenderness at the bottom of the knee cap. There can be pain when first getting up or sitting for a duration of time, with pain described as "behind the knee cap."

Causes

Patellar instability is more commonly seen in women due to an increased angle of the hips in relation to the knees because of a wider pelvis, which increases the force on the knee cap. Excessive pronation can be a contributing factor to anterior knee pain because it puts increased pressure on the inside of the knee joint during running.

Treatment and Prevention

Strengthening of quadriceps/hip/core muscles, stretching hamstrings, iliotibial band, calves, patellar taping (to correct for patellar misalignment or tilt), deep tissue massage for tight muscles and tendons, electrical-stimulation to the quads for biofeedback of the muscles involved.

• Step downs
• Lunges – multi-directional
• Iiliotibial Band (ITB) stretch
• Kinesiology taping