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Runner´s Knee
What is it?
Chondromalacia of the patella refers to the softening of the cartilage of the kneecap. The cartilage in our knees relies upon intermittent compression to squeeze out waste products and then allow nutrients to enter the cartilage from the synovial fluid of the joint. When you run, certain mechanical conditions may predispose you to a mistracking kneecap. Portions of the cartilage may then be under too much or too little pressure and the appropriate intermittent compression that is needed for waster removal and nutrition supply may not be present. This may result in cartilage deterioration, which at the knee usually occurs on the medial aspect or inner part of the kneecap. Pain is usually felt after sitting for a long period of time with the knees bent. Running downhill and sometimes even walking downstairs can be followed by pain.
What causes it?
Runner’s knee is caused by several factors, including a high quadriceps angle, wide hips (female runners), knock knees (genu valgum), subluxating patella, high patella, small medial pole of patella or corresponding portion of the femur, weak vastus medialis, and pronation of the feet. Most often, week quadriceps muscles will be the problem, as they do not absorb a sufficient amount of the impact or running, passing down the impact onto the knees.
How to prevent or treat it?
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