Runner's Knee Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral
stress syndrome, is a condition caused
by the kneecap rubbing against the thighbone
during activity. Runners knee is characterized
by pain in and around the kneecap with
or without activity; rubbing, grinding
and clicking sounds in the kneecap; and
a kneecap which is tender when touched.
What causes runner's knee?
Runner's knee may be caused by a structural
defect, or a certain way of walking or
running. Other causes may include the
following:
- A
structural defect
- Technique
or form in walking or running
- A
kneecap that is located too high in
the knee joint
- Weak
thigh muscles
- Tight
hamstrings or Achilles tendons
Fractures Fractures are breaks in the bone that
can be classified as simple (a thin fracture
that may not run through the entire bone),
or a compound fracture (the broken bone
protrudes through the skin). The arms
and legs are the most common places where
fractures occur and will be signified
by tenderness, swelling and increased
pain in the affected area.
Elbow osteoarthritis Most patients who are diagnosed with
elbow osteoarthritis have a history of
injury to the elbow, such as a fracture
that involved the surface of the joint,
or an elbow dislocation.
Pain and loss of range of motion are
the most obvious signs of arthritis,
but in later stages, patients might also
notice numbness in their ring finger
and pinkie finger. Sometimes there is
grating or locking. Xrays can be used
to diagnose arthritic changes.
Stress fractures Stress fractures can occur from continuous
overuse. They are weak spots or small
cracks in the bone and can occur in the
foot after training for sports or even
from recreational sports. Someone suffering
from a stress facture may notice pain
in the front of the foot after intense
exercise; and pain that subsides after
exercise and returns during exercise.
Shin splints There are two types of shin splints
which involve damage to one of two groups
of muscles along the shin bone that cause
pain. Shin splints can be located on
the front and outer part of the muscles
of the shin, as well as the back and
inner part of the muscles of the shin.
The latter condition is usually characterized
by running and or wearing improper footwear.
