Condition
Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain): causes and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to runner's knee — kneecap pain and how it is managed.
- Knee
Quick answer
Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain) is pain around or behind the kneecap, common with running, stairs and squatting. Most cases improve with load management and targeted hip and thigh strengthening.
Key facts
- It causes pain around or behind the kneecap.
- Common triggers are running, stairs, squatting and prolonged sitting.
- Hip and thigh strengthening is central to recovery.
What is runner's knee?
Runner's knee is pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap, related to how the kneecap loads and moves.
It is one of the most common causes of knee pain in active people. It is usually an overload and load-distribution problem rather than structural damage.
What are the symptoms of runner's knee?
Typical symptoms are aching around the kneecap, worse with stairs, squatting, running or prolonged sitting.
- A dull ache around or behind the kneecap
- Pain with stairs, squatting or kneeling
- Pain after sitting for long periods (‘theatre sign’)
- Occasional grinding or clicking
How is runner's knee treated?
Runner's knee is treated with load management and a progressive hip and thigh strengthening programme.
Temporarily reducing aggravating loads while building strength and control around the hip and knee is the core approach. Running technique and training load are also reviewed.
At Postura Wellness, care for runner's knee is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Marked swelling, locking, giving way, or pain following a significant twisting injury may indicate a different knee problem and should be assessed.
Get a clear plan for your patellofemoral pain syndrome
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Knee Injuries and Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Knee pain — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Sports Injuries — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine