What is runner’s knee?

Escrito por: Mr Alex Chipperfield
Publicado: | Actualizado: 03/05/2023
Editado por: Lisa Heffernan

Runner’s knee is a general term that can be applied to several different injuries in relation to overuse of the knee, resulting in pain around the kneecap. Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Alex Chipperfield tells us more about the medical conditions that fall under runner’s knee.

The specific medical conditions that this term covers include:

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Chondromalacia patella
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Plica syndrome

 

What are the symptoms of chondromalacia patella?

Chondromalacia Patella (CMP) is inflammation of the underside of the patella (kneecap), with softening and in some cases fragmentation of the cartilage.

 

The kneecap cartilage is a shock absorber and allows the kneecap to glide smoothly over the thigh bone during knee movements. When this cartilage is damaged the kneecap no longer moves correctly - it can catch, lock, jar and cause pain.

 

Common symptoms include pain at the front of the knee. This is generally brought on by prolonged sitting or repetitive knee flexion. Pain can also be experienced in activities that excessively load the front of the knee, such as rising from a seated position and climbing stairs.

 

Runner’s knee vs jumper’s knee – what’s the difference?

Runner´s Knee refers to a cluster of conditions that can cause pain around the front of the knee, generally associated with how the kneecap moves.

 

Jumper’s Knee is a specific chronic inflammatory condition affecting the patellar tendon that attaches the kneecap to the shin bone (for more information on this condition, see Mr Chipperfield’s previous article.

 

What is the treatment for chondromalacia?

Treatment depends on how far gone the condition is. The key is whether or not the cartilage has begun to fragment and wear away.

 

If the cartilage is preserved, then a strict regime of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help, along with anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy. In these cases, it is important to allow the symptoms to completely resolve before resuming the activity that caused it.

 

Once the cartilage is damaged, the treatment becomes more difficult. The above regime can help settle acute inflammatory flare-ups but the movement of the patella will remain abnormal due to roughening of the formerly smooth surface of the kneecap cartilage.

 

There is currently no proven way of regenerating this cartilage, but there is plenty of research into this area. Currently the only surgical option available (besides joint replacement) is a keyhole procedure known as chondroplasty - this involves smoothing down the surfaces and sealing them off. The aim is to allow better movement and prevent further fragmentation.

 

Results of chondroplasty are variable, and success is by no means guaranteed. It is reserved as a “last resort”.

 

How soon can I get back to running?

It is recommended that you wait until the symptoms have completely resolved before restarting running. This can be frustrating in the short term but is beneficial in the long term.

 

Do you suffer from knee pain? Visit an orthopaedic surgeon such as Mr Alex Chipperfield for a checkup.

Por Mr Alex Chipperfield
Traumatología

Alex Chipperfield es un cirujano ortopédico y traumatólogo altamente experimentado con sede en Kent.

Se especializa en cadera y rodilla , realizando reemplazos de cadera, reemplazos de rodilla, cirugía de fractura de cadera y fracturas periprotésicas .

Practica en privado en varios lugares, incluidos One Ashford Hospital , BMI The Chaucer Hospital y Benenden Hospital; Además de su trabajo en el NHS, que incluye ser el Especialista en Trauma Líder del Hospital William Harvey.

El Sr. Chipperfield se graduó de la Escuela de Medicina del Hospital St Bartholomew en 1997, antes de completar la capacitación en atención de traumas en Gran Bretaña y Australia.

Luego realizó un entrenamiento quirúrgico básico en la costa sur de Inglaterra, seguido de un trabajo adicional en ortopedia y cirugía plástica , y más tarde fue entrenado en el famoso Programa de entrenamiento ortopédico especializado en el sureste de Támesis.

Chipperfield es miembro del Royal College of Surgeons, aprobó el riguroso examen FRCS y también fue elegido para realizar una beca de 12 meses en cirugía de extremidades inferiores con la Asociación Australiana de Ortopedia en Sydney.

Desde 2010 ha trabajado como Consultor en Traumatología y Ortopedia para la Fundación NHS de East Kent Hospitals Trust, con sede en Ashford y Canterbury.

Su práctica electiva se centra en la cirugía de cadera y rodilla, reemplazos de articulaciones y cirugía de revisión. Siempre está buscando innovar y mejorar los resultados, a través de la recuperación mejorada, las intervenciones biológicas y los implantes personalizados.

Chipperfield vive en Kent con su esposa y sus dos hijas.

Ver perfil

Valoración general de sus pacientes


  • Tratamientos relacionados
  • Platelet-rich plasma
    Ozone therapy
    Botulinum toxin (Botox™)
    Abnormal gait
    Elbow
    Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
    Elbow Pain
    Nerve Compression elbow
    Median nerve compression
    Radial nerve compression
    Este sitio web utiliza Cookies propias y de terceros para recopilar información con la finalidad de mejorar nuestros servicios, para mostrarle publicidad relacionada con sus preferencias, así como analizar sus hábitos de navegación. El usuario tiene la posibilidad de configurar sus preferencias AQUI.