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    2. Specialties
    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Knee Orthopaedics
    5. Runner’s knee treatment

    Runner’s knee

    Runner’s knee is a common cause of pain around or behind the kneecap. It can affect people who run or take part in activities involving repeated running, jumping or squatting, but it is not limited to runners. 

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Your specialist will assess your symptoms, movement, and activity levels to understand what may be contributing to your pain and recommend a treatment plan tailored to you.

    Runner’s knee often develops gradually rather than after a single injury. Early assessment can help identify factors contributing to your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

    • Runner’s knee is the common name for patellofemoral pain syndrome. It describes pain around the kneecap (patella), where it meets the thigh bone.

      Your kneecap normally moves within a groove in your thigh bone as your knee bends and straightens. Changes in how your kneecap moves, repeated stress on your knee, or weakness around your hip and leg can contribute to pain in this area.

      Despite its name, runner’s knee does not only affect runners. It can affect anyone, including people who have recently increased their activity or started a new sport or exercise programme.

    • Symptoms of runner’s knee often develop gradually and may affect one or both knees.

      You may experience:

      • A dull ache around or behind your kneecap
      • Pain when running or jumping
      • Pain when walking up or down stairs
      • Discomfort when squatting or kneeling
      • Pain after sitting with your knees bent for a long time
      • Stiffness around your knee
      • Popping or crackling sensations in your knee

      Pain may become more noticeable after increasing your training, changing your exercise routine, or performing activities that repeatedly bend your knee.

      If knee pain continues or begins to affect your daily activities, a specialist assessment can help determine whether runner’s knee is the cause or whether another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

    • There is not always one single cause of runner’s knee. It can develop when repeated stress on your knee combines with factors that affect how your kneecap and leg move.

      Common runner’s knee causes include:

      • A sudden increase in running or exercise
      • Repeated running, jumping, or squatting
      • Weakness in the muscles around your hip or knee
      • Tight muscles that affect movement around your knee
      • Changes in running or movement technique
      • Changes in training surface or footwear
      • A previous injury affecting your kneecap or knee

      A sudden increase in training volume or intensity can place more stress on your knee than your body is used to handling. Muscle weakness or imbalances can also affect how your knee moves during running, jumping and squatting.

      Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is an important part of treatment. Your specialist can assess your running technique, exercise routine, and physical strength to help guide your recovery.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your specialist.

      Your consultant will ask about your symptoms, when they started and whether you have recently changed your exercise or training routine. They may also ask which activities make your pain better or worse.

      During the examination, your specialist may assess your knee movement, muscle strength and how your leg moves when you walk, squat or perform other movements. This can help identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

      Imaging

      Runner’s knee is usually diagnosed through your symptoms and physical examination. You may not need imaging if your assessment provides enough information.

      If imaging is needed, an X-ray can help assess the bones of your knee and identify other possible causes of pain.

      MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissues, including cartilage and ligaments. Your specialist may recommend an MRI if another condition is suspected or if your symptoms do not improve as expected. Different people need different tests. Your assessment and testing plan will be tailored to your symptoms and examination findings.

    • Treatment for runner’s knee depends on your symptoms, how they affect your activities and the factors contributing to your pain.

      For many people, treatment focuses on reducing irritation around the knee while improving strength, movement and control.

      Reducing your activity level

      Temporarily reducing activities that worsen your symptoms can give your knee time to recover. This does not necessarily mean stopping all exercise.

      Your specialist or physiotherapist can help you identify suitable activities while you recover and gradually return to running or other sports.

      Physiotherapy

      Physiotherapy is an important part of runner’s knee treatment. A structured programme can help strengthen the muscles around your hip and knee and improve how your leg moves during activity.

      Your programme may include exercises to improve:

      • Quadriceps strength
      • Hip and core strength
      • Flexibility
      • Balance and coordination
      • Running and movement technique

      Your physiotherapist can also help you gradually increase your activity as your symptoms improve.

      Pain management

      Simple measures such as ice and appropriate pain relief may help manage pain during recovery.

      Your specialist can advise you on suitable options based on your individual circumstances.

      Running and movement assessment

      If your symptoms are linked to your running technique, training routine or a recent change in activity, your treatment may include adjustments to how you run, land or move.

      The aim is not only to reduce pain but also to address factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and help you return to your usual activities safely.

      Further treatment 

      Most people with runner’s knee can be treated without surgery.

      If symptoms do not improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment, your specialist may recommend further assessment to look for another cause or discuss additional treatment options.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we collaborate with leading healthcare professionals who can provide these procedures when appropriate. If surgery is recommended, your consultant will explain your options and coordinate your ongoing care.

    • You may be able to reduce your risk of developing runner’s knee by increasing your activity gradually and allowing your body time to adapt.

      Helpful measures may include:

      • Building your training volume gradually
      • Warming up before exercise
      • Strengthening your hip and leg muscles
      • Maintaining flexibility
      • Wearing appropriate footwear
      • Varying high-impact activities where appropriate
      • Improving your running and movement technique

      If you are returning to running after an injury or a period of inactivity, gradually increasing your training can help reduce unnecessary stress on your knees.

    • Persistent knee pain can have several possible causes, particularly for people who run or exercise regularly. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our orthopaedic specialists take a comprehensive approach to assessment, combining your symptoms, medical history and clinical findings to understand what may be causing your pain and determine the most appropriate next steps for your care.

      With Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you benefit from:

      • Experienced orthopaedic specialists who take the time to understand your symptoms and concerns
      • Assessment of running-related knee pain and other possible causes
      • Clinical assessment of movement, strength and knee function
      • Access to diagnostic imaging where appropriate
      • Personalised treatment and rehabilitation recommendations
      • Access to the wider Mayo Clinic network when additional specialist expertise is appropriate

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book your private runner’s knee assessment

    If you have persistent knee pain when running, exercising, or carrying out everyday activities, a specialist assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment. 

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Sujith Konan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Knee Orthopaedics
    5. Runner’s knee treatment