Anterior knee pain is the most common injury affecting runners, and one of the most common sports injuries in general. Also known as runner's knee, it is classified as pain that occurs behind the kneecap. While anterior knee pain is common, you can help prevent the ailment and keep it from causing long-term damage by treating it early.
Definition
Anterior knee pain is a clinical syndrome characterized by pain perceived in the anterior region, or back, of the knee, as defined by doctors at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. The pain typically becomes worse with activity and eases with rest.
Causes
Anterior knee pain occurs when the kneecap falls out of alignment with the muscles and connective tissues that control knee movement. For runners, this often occurs after an abrupt change in training program, such as a sudden increase in your running distance or speed. Anterior knee pain can also be the result of other conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or cartilage injury or softening, and can be exacerbated by running. Direct knee trauma, also known as dashboard knee, can bring about anterior knee pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms of runner's knee vary, but they may first manifest as a pain below and along the sides of the kneecap that worsens with squatting, kneeling, walking up or down stairs, or prolonged sitting. In runners, the pain may first occur when running downhill and lighten when running uphill or on flat surfaces. The pain may present itself when you start running, then disappear once you have warmed up, returning when you finish running. In some cases, it may remain present as a constant ache. Other symptoms include a feeling of snapping, crunching or popping in the knee that occurs when you change position or direction.
Prevention
To prevent anterior knee pain, strengthen the muscles that control knee movement. Quadriceps and hamstrings are the two main muscle groups that control knee movement and help protect the knee by absorbing shock from the ground. Squats and hamstring curls are good exercises to keep muscles strong and prevent knee pain. Always warm up, stretch and cool down to maintain muscle flexibility. This is vital to protecting your knees.
Treatment
If you experience anterior knee pain, seek advice from a physician to rule out other conditions. Symptoms of arthritis, bone tumors, tendinitis and other ailments can be similar to those of anterior knee pain. Once a doctor has ruled out other conditions, you will need to follow a treatment plan. For most runners, resting until the symptoms have disappeared for more than a week, followed by a gradual return to your training program, may alleviate the pain. Anti-inflammatory medicine, such as aspirin, may also help decrease your pain while running. Special shoe inserts can provide relief and reduce the risk of developing future pain. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
