"Runner's knee" is a term referring to several of
medical conditions that can cause pain around the front of the knee and
are a result of running. Included in these conditions
are anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment and chondromalacia
patella.
These conditions all involve the patella (pictured below). Anterior knee
pain usually occurs in adolescents, and comes on as a result of a rapid
increase
in
activity.
Patellofemoral
malalignment
is
a condition
where the patella, which normally slides up and down in a vertical fashion
with knee flexion and extension, comes out of alignment. Instead of direct
vertical sliding in its groove, it "tracks" out of its groove to the
side. Chondromalacia patella is a degenerative disorder of the articular
(lining) cartilage lining the undersurface of the patella, where the
cartilage wears and thins, causing pain. In other words, it is oseoarthritis
localized to the underside of the patella.
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There are various causes of "runner's knee," including kneecap malalignment,
injury, excessive training, inflexibility, tightness, and flat feet.
To diagnose the problem, your doctor may obtain one or more imaging
tests, including an X-ray, CT, or MRI. Your doctor may also order blood
tests to rule out other causes of your knee pain.
The treatment for most cases of "runner's knee" is rest, ice, compression,
and elevation (RICE), and to stop the activity causing the problem. Surgical
treatments are available for cases of malalignment and cartilage injury,
including realignment and arthroscopy, respectively.
You can take several steps to avoid "runner's knee." These include running
zig-zag down and up a hill instead of straight up or down, using appropriate
running equipment, staying in shape, and stretching frequently. |
