Runner’s knee
Rehab training for the injury

Rehab program

Focus of training the rest of your body so you do not lose mobility, stability, or strength in general. Find out what you are able to do, and exercise at the level that suits you. Training the rest of the body accelerates the healing process of injury, both because of the increased nerve activity and because of the circulation.

Description of runner’s knee syndrome

Runner’s knee also called Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a painful condition located to the area around the lateral femur epicondyle (outer bony prominence under the knee). The disorder is characterized by pain located on the outside of the knee triggered by running and which usually affects especially long-distance runners. Downhill running normally exacerbates the pain. After a short rest period running can be resumed, but gradually the pain will become provoked by running shorter and shorter distances. A predisposing factor may be a knee joint that angles the lower leg inward, having legs of different lengths, misaligned pelvis or hyper-pronation in the foot. All of these factors can lead to the condition returning over and over again.

Symptoms of running knee
  • Pain located at the lateral femur epicondyle (outermost bony prominence under the knee).
  • Signs of inflammation on the outside of the knee region.
  • Worsening pain / condition when running downhill.
  • Swelling at the lower part of the knee joint.
  • Fluxation (?) of the bursa (irritation).
Examination
  • Analysis / Inspection / Palpation / ROM (Tested for abnormality in comparison to opposite side).
  • Inflammation of the area.
  • Clamping of iliotibial band over femur epicondyle (pain recorded).
  • Test of iliotibial band (tendon on the outside of the thigh).
Treatment of runner’s knee
  • Rehab.
  • Active rest.
  • Thermo / cryo therapy.
  • Neopren Knee Supporter.
  • Massage of muscle gluteus maximus and muscle tensor fasciae latae.
  • NSAID gel (hand-bought) or Traumeel ointment / cream.
  • Ultrasound (continuous / pulsating), 3 Mhz, 0.5-1 W cm2.
  • Kinesiology tape.
  • K-Laser.

If the injury is re-occurring, consideration should be given to whether the pelvis, back or lower leg(s) are misaligned. Misalignment can be treated by a therapist with experience in pelvic dysfunction.

The doctor may choose to give anti-inflammatory medicine. In case of continued trouble, the doctor may choose to give a local steroid injection in the bursa, followed by at least 2 weeks of rest. In case of therapy-resistant injury, operation may be necessary.

Rehab training for the injury

Rehab program