Overuse of the knee when running often results in a condition called runner's knee. The medical term is actually patellofemoral pain syndrome. Those who suffer with the condition know immediately that something is wrong since the pain behind and the around the kneecap gets worse with every step, especially going downhill. If you experience this pain, you'll want to stop running as soon as possible. Even if you're not running, however, your pain could last up to six weeks or longer.
The Syndrome
Runner's knee occurs when the patella, known as the knee cap, makes frequent contact with the femur, the bone in your thigh. The resulting irritation beneath the knee cap causes pain. When your doctor diagnoses the condition, he'll want you to stop flexing your knee immediately. You'll have to rest, you may have to take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin and you'll have to ice the knee for 20 minutes at a time. While swelling isn't typical with runner's knee, there is a sensation of stiffness, popping or catching. In most cases the sensation and intense pain should subside in a few days.
Treatment
Once you can move your knee without intense pain you'll be ready for physical therapy. You'll have to begin a daily exercise program that targets the quadriceps. These are the four muscles in the front of your thigh that help stabilize the knee cap and absorb the impact and pressure when you run. The stronger you make your quadriceps with strength training and stretching, the faster your pain will subside and your condition will improve.
Other Exercises
While your doctor will want you to stop flexing your knee and stop putting pressure on it, you don't have to stop exercising. Try low impact aerobic exercises instead, such as bicycling, swimming, or the use of an elliptical trainer. You'll want to continue icing your knee for 20 minutes after a work out. Talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise program to ensure that you won't further damage your knee.
Last Resort
If your runner's knee doesn't go away after six to 12 months of rehabilitation, you can consider surgery. It may involve an arthroscopic procedure to smooth the underside of the knee cap or a more invasive procedure in which the surgeon opens the knee with a large incision and realigns the kneecap to keep it from making contact with the femur. Unfortunately, that may not keep your runner's knee from returning.
