Knee Pain Conditions & Rehabilitation
Introduction
Many runners experience knee pain at some stage in their training. Pain during or after running can develop for several reasons including overuse, training errors or muscle weakness.
If you are experiencing knee issues, please see our dedicated guides below:
- ACL Injury & Rehabilitation: This condition is already covered in detail in our Sports Injuries Section. Please link directly to that page for specific ACL recovery protocols.
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
- Knee Pain Running
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is one of the most common causes of pain at the front of the knee. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) does not move smoothly within its groove during knee movement. This condition is particularly common in runners, cyclists and people who increase their activity levels quickly.
Symptoms of Runner’s Knee
- Pain around the kneecap
- Knee pain during running
- Pain going up or down stairs
- Discomfort after sitting for long periods
Why Runner’s Knee Develops
Runner’s knee is usually related to a combination of factors such as:
- Weakness in the hip muscles
- Poor control of knee movement
- Sudden increases in training load
- Reduced strength in the quadriceps
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on correcting these factors through strengthening and movement retraining. Many patients progress well into lower limb rehabilitation classes, where strength and movement patterns can be improved further in a gym setting.
Knee Pain Running
Common causes of knee pain running include:
- Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
- Iliotibial band irritation
- Meniscus irritation
- Muscle imbalance around the knee
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the specific cause and guide appropriate rehabilitation. Strengthening exercises and correcting training load are often key components of recovery.
