Joint and Spine

Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly called runner’s knee, is a painful condition that can occur in athletes and non-athletes. Our orthopedic experts can provide the diagnosis and treatment you need to get back to the life you love.

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Overview

The kneecap (patella) normally glides smoothly up and down the femoral groove in your thigh bone (femur). When out of alignment, it can move improperly and irritate the knee joint, wearing down cartilage and leading to dull, aching pain known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, or more commonly—runner’s knee.

Runner’s knee causes pain at the front of the knee. Pain can be most severe during activities that require the knee to bend for extended amounts of time, such as walking, running, kneeling or sitting cross-legged.

Risks & Causes

Causes of runner’s knee may include:

Direct trauma or injury to the kneecap
Overuse from repetitive activities like running, jumping or twisting
Sports or movements that put repeated stress on the kneecap
Structural issues in the knee that affect alignment
Weak or tight muscles around the knee

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Diagnosing Runner’s Knee

You don't have to live with knee pain. We can provide the diagnosis and treatment you need to feel better.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of runner’s knee may include:

Grinding, clicking or rubbing in the knee joint
Increased knee pain after extended sitting
Pain behind or around the kneecap
Pain with knee-bending activities, such as climbing stairs or running uphill
Swelling around the kneecap

Diagnosis

To diagnose your knee injury, we will review your symptoms and medical history. We may also test your knee strength and flexibility with movements like squatting or jumping.

If needed, we may also use diagnostic imaging tests such as:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to create detailed pictures of your knee.
X-rays—of the knee.

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Runner’s Knee Treatment

Treatment for runner’s knee depends on your age, overall health, pain level and goals. In most cases, we recommend the R-I-C-E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method to relieve knee pain.

If you need additional care, treatment options may include: