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Injury Hub · Runner's Knee

Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain) in Runners

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) — 'runner's knee' — is pain around or behind the kneecap from poor tracking and load distribution at the patellofemoral joint. It accounts for roughly a quarter of all running injuries.

The Runner's Knee cluster

Everything Stridely has on runner's knee — symptoms, causes, recovery, prevention, and runner-specific guides.

SymptomsCausesRecovery TimelinePreventionExercisesvs Other ConditionsRunning With ItShoe Guidance

Quick Symptoms Check

  • Dull ache around or behind the kneecap
  • Pain going down stairs
  • Pain after sitting with knees bent for a long time (the 'theater sign')
  • Crepitus (grinding) sometimes felt or heard with squats
Full symptoms guide →

Most Common Causes

  • Weak glute medius and quad imbalance
  • Heavy downhill running
  • Mileage spike
  • Sudden increase in hill work
Full causes breakdown →

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By Athlete Type

Runner's Knee looks different for a high school runner than a masters marathoner. Pick yours.

Runner's Knee in Sprinters→Runner's Knee in Distance Runners→Runner's Knee in Middle Distance Runners→Runner's Knee in Jumpers→Runner's Knee in High School Athletes→Runner's Knee in College Runners→Runner's Knee in Masters Runners→Runner's Knee in Recreational Runners→

Related Injuries

IT Band Syndrome→Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)→Hip Flexor Strain→
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