Runner’s Knee Can Impede that Glorious Runner’s High
I have been a runner for over 30 years, having taken my first running steps at the age of 12. I have not stopped since then. Sometimes I wonder if I calculated the miles I have logged over the ensuing decades, how far they would take me? Around the world? To the moon and back? How many pairs of shoes have I gone through? Too many, I fear. How many running injuries have I incurred? Surprisingly, none. Not one in all of these years of running. I have only succumbed to the proverbial runner’s high. The only injury I have sustained may have been to my psyche when I did not complete the last half-marathon I ran in the time I set for myself to achieve. Call me lucky or a born runner, but I consistently remain pain and injury free, running every single day of my life, and I fully intend to do so, dashing all the way to my final resting place, many years into the future. Just bury me with my running shoes on.
Needless to say, I found it of interest to research an article on runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain. The experts say that this condition affects runners, jumpers, skiers, cyclists, and soccer players. These are the types of athletes who put continual stress upon their knees. Runner’s knee refers to any number of medical conditions that contribute to the pain around the front of the knee, the patellofemoral pain. This also includes anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral misalignment, and chondromalacia patella.
When runner’s knee presents, the patient will usually notice a dull, aching sensation under or around the front of the kneecap, the patella, where it connects with the thighbone. Pain may occur when walking up and down stairs, squatting, sitting, or kneeling, especially for an extended amount of time.
Contributing factors to runner’s knee include a misalignment of the kneecap, a dislocation (either partial or complete), some type of injury to the area, significant overuse or training, weakened thigh muscles, and flat feet. Runner’s knee can result when the soft tissues around the front of the knee become irritated. This is common among athletes.
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Add a Comment2 Comments
You should never lean forward when you run - you should have good posture and keep your shoulders back and head up and butt in like your back is up against a wall. That advice could really screw someones knees up!
February 18, 2010 - 1:51pmThis Comment
Good point...it is interesting to research how many different points of view there are on running form! I suppose in ten years they will be preaching to us to run on all fours! Who knows!
Thanks for the note!
February 21, 2010 - 1:17pm