Do you think this is "Runner's Knee"?

Question

...otherwise known as PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME?

I'm a female runner and log 20-30 miles per week. A couple of weeks ago, after two races back to back, I noticed a slight ache in my left knee. It's really only uncomfortable when I'm walking downstairs and after several miles of running, especially down hill. It has never been painful, just a little uncomfortable. I think most of the discomfort is just knowing that it could get worse. I have still been running on it and it doesn't seem to be getting any worse, however it's not really getting any better either. The discomfort seems to be coming from the outer middle part of my knee. It kinda feels like it could pop out of place at times or just needs to pop. Is this "Runner's Knee"? Anyone else experience this? and if so, did it go away?

Answer 1

You may be developing runners knee. But you can still prevent it, from what you told me i think you should work out your hamstrings. Your unstableness from goin downhill or downstairs is a sign of weak hamstrings, runners tend to have strong quads but lack the hamstring. We need balance to prevent injurys. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Typically, a lot of distance runners and sprinters will develop some type of knee issue.  When you go to a doctor, many will treat the symptoms (rest, ice treatments, braces, surgeries, etc).  This is what they are trained to do.

Let's take a step back for a moment.  Think about your legs and how much work they are being put through.  You are putting your entire body weight on one leg for multiple miles.  Not only that, but because you are moving, you are now increasing that body weight.  World class sprinters put between 2-3 their body weight worth of power into the ground per stride.  Because many of us have not been properly taught how to run, non trained athletes actually increase that level to 4-6 their body weight.

This is because we tend to plantarflex our ankles when we run (i.e. point them).  This means that the ball of the foot lands first and their is a few inches of space between the ground and our heel.  In order for the foot to do this, it lands out in front of us thereby acting as a brake and then we "pull" our body forward.  A world class sprinter's foot lands almost underneath and "pushes" their body forward.  You should be working your glutes, hamstrings and to a lesser extent, calves when you run.  Most people tend to use their quads.  The quads should act more as a shock absorber and helping the leg get back into position for the next stride.  Anything else and you are risking injury.

I am not going to discount going to a doctor.  There may be damage in there that an MRI or some other test is going to catch.  Since you are putting in a lot of miles, you may want to look into finding an expert in running mechanics.  They may see something that will help you with the pain.  

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Runner's knee is all in the mind. Pretend it isn't there.

Answer 4

I have similar symptoms that you are describing. I have a constricted IT band which runs through my thigh to my knee cap, but because it is constricted it pulls and makes my knee hurt. I also have bursitis which is caused by impact/overuse. The only way to help bursitis is by rest, but I can't rest it for that long because of my athletic commitments so I take anti inflamitories to help it. For the band, it helps to stretch really well before hand. Lay on your side then raise your leg straight up two feet or so. You can also stretch it in a way similar to stretching your hamstrings. It is probably best to go to a doctor to see what is actually wrong just in case.