Whether you are trying to push yourself to run farther or are training for an upcoming race, you may notice an onset of knee pain as you increase your weekly mileage. This pain, often over or around the patella, can limit how far you are able to run for days or weeks at a time. Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a common condition that affects runners and can limit their ability to perform exercise and daily activities around the house.
What Causes PFPS?
This condition tends to be the result of overuse which is why it often occurs when runners increase the intensity or amount of miles they run on a consistent basis. It is common for those who experience this condition to have weakness of the hip and thigh musculature. Those with PFPS may also have tightness of muscles around the knee and excessive pronation of the foot and ankle. These factors increase the amount of stress placed through the knee and, with repetitive use, can cause significant irritation and pain around the joint.
How is PFPS treated?
Rest alone can help to relieve the recurring knee pain, but this may not address the impairments or deficits that contributed to its onset. Strengthening of the muscles surrounding the hip, knee, and ankle is often implemented to provide adequate support and stability for the knee during activity. Additionally, stretching of tight muscles around the knee can be performed to ensure that the knee is able to move appropriately. A physical therapist is uniquely qualified to identify these impairments and prescribe specific exercises to help resolve this condition.
If you experience symptoms similar to those mentioned in this article, physical therapy can help reduce your pain. Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists to improve your symptoms and get you back to running!
Tags: movement freedom, Physical Therapy, ptworks, Respire Physical Therapy, painfreeliving, physical therapist, runner's knee, choosept, arlingtonva, alexandriava, Pain & Inflammation, fallschurchva, Knee Pain Relief
