Runners Knee Pain is Symptomatic of Many Underlying Conditions

Runners knee pain is sometimes referred to as chondromalacia and sometimes as patellofemoral syndrome.  Bursitis, a neuroma, a tight iliotibial band, patellar maltracking and overuse are among the causes, although there are many others.

This is one of those non-specific pains that cannot always be traced to an injury, such as a sprain or pulled muscle.  The fronts of the knees are the areas that hurt.  Most people feel that the soreness is underneath the kneecap, but no damage has been done to the cartilage there.  So, it's a non-specific condition that is somewhat confusing and difficult to treat. 

The terms used to refer to the condition are simply Latin terms that describe the location of the pain.  The causes mentioned above are other conditions that a doctor may or may not check for in attempting to treat the first condition. 

Bursitis, for example, is inflammation of the bursa.  It can occur in nearly any part of the body, wherever there are bones, tendons, muscles or joints.  The bursas are small sacs that help to cushion the bones and joints, preventing one from rubbing too hard against another.  It makes sense that the bursa would be involved in runners knee pain, although it is not always the case.

A neuroma is a benign growth or tumor that occurs on nerve tissue.  The appearance of the tumors sometimes follows an injury.  They tighten the nerve bundles, which is obviously painful. 

The iliotibial band is a fibrous reinforcement that begins at the top of the hip and runs down into the thigh.  When the band is too tight due to over-pronation of the foot, leg length discrepancies or from being bow-legged, it can cause pains from the knee to the hip, but usually, they occur on the outside edge of the upper legs and knees.  Runners knee pain is usually isolated on the front of the knees.

Patellar maltracking simply means that the kneecap is not moving as it should.  Overuse means that someone spent too much time participating in their favorite sport or activity.  As you can see, these conditions vary greatly and this is not even an all inclusive list of the conditions that can cause or contribute to runners knee pain.

Doctors usually recommend rest and ice, when the pain is acute and it is believed to be caused by overuse.  Compression therapy and/or braces may also be recommended.  Elevation, keeping the knees up, is always recommended when there is swelling or inflammation involved.

In addition to avoiding the overuse of the joint, anyone that suffers from the painful condition should wear supportive shoes that provide additional cushion for high impact aerobics.  Unless the person is committed to their sport, they might consider changing to a lower impact form of exercise.  Swimming, for example, is a good form of low-impact exercise.

People that are bow-legged will need to buy new shoes regularly, because the outsides of the shoes wear down and no longer help to hold the knees straight.  Because of all of the different possible causes, there are many other suggestions for preventing runners knee pain.  What you have read here is just a sample.  The more you learn, the more likely you are to be pain-free, soon.