Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, colloquially known as "Runner's knee", refers to pain occurring beneath and around the kneecap.

It encompasses multiple conditions, including anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, and chondromalacia patella, all of which contribute to discomfort in the front of the knee. It is commonly seen not just in runners but also in jumpers, and athletes such as skiers, cyclists, and soccer players.

Runner's knee can develop from various knee issues including:

The classic pain of runner's knee is a dull, aching pain around or under the kneecap, which worsens with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, or sitting with bent knees for an extended period.

The pain often results from irritated tendons or softening of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. In some cases, knee pain may originate from other areas, such as the hip or lower back.

A first step is to avoid activities that trigger the knee pain, such as running and jumping. This can be combined with: