The Core Mechanism
Tracking issues at the kneecap, usually driven by weak glutes, quad imbalance, or training spikes.
The Real-World Triggers
Runner's Knee rarely has a single cause. In runners, these are the consistent contributors:
- Weak glute medius and quad imbalance
- Heavy downhill running
- Mileage spike
- Sudden increase in hill work
- Worn shoes with collapsed midsoles
Why Runners in Particular
Running concentrates repeated impact and load through the same tissues thousands of times per session. Runner's Knee develops when that load exceeds the tissue's adaptation rate — usually because training spiked, recovery dropped, or strength didn't keep up.
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