Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain) Treatment in Faridabad

Runner's Knee: The Most Common Running Injury

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) — commonly called 'runner's knee' — is pain arising from the patellofemoral joint (between the kneecap and the front of the femur). It is the most prevalent lower limb injury in runners, affecting approximately 16–25% of runners at some point. In Faridabad, with the growing running community and marathon training groups, PFPS is one of the most common conditions we treat.

Symptoms

Characteristic symptoms include: anterior (front) knee pain under or around the kneecap; pain that worsens with running, stairs (especially descent), squatting, and prolonged sitting with knees bent ('cinema sign'); a sense of the knee being weak or giving way; occasional grinding or creaking sensation.

Why Patellofemoral Pain Develops

The patella tracks in the femoral groove during knee flexion/extension. Abnormal patellar tracking — due to hip weakness, quadriceps imbalance, pronated feet, or structural factors — increases patellofemoral joint stress. Training load errors (too much, too soon) are the most common trigger.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Hip Strengthening

Research consistently shows that hip abductor and external rotator weakness precedes PFPS in runners. Strengthening the gluteal muscles reduces dynamic knee valgus (inward collapse), the primary driver of excessive patellofemoral loading. Hip strengthening often provides faster pain relief than knee-focused exercises alone.

Quadriceps Strengthening

Progressive quadriceps strengthening — particularly VMO (vastus medialis oblique) targeted exercises — improves patellar tracking and reduces pain. We progress from non-weight-bearing to weight-bearing exercises as pain allows.

Patellar Taping and Bracing

McConnell patellar taping provides immediate pain relief by correcting patellar position and enabling more effective rehabilitation exercise. Patellar bracing is an alternative for longer-term use.

Running Gait Retraining

Video gait analysis identifies modifiable running technique factors — overstriding, excessive contralateral pelvic drop, foot strike pattern — that increase patellofemoral stress. Gait retraining can dramatically reduce running pain.

Load Management

Training error is the most common cause of PFPS. We review and modify training volume, intensity, and terrain to allow tissue adaptation while maintaining fitness.

Runner's Knee Treatment in Faridabad

At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we get runners back on the road with evidence-based PFPS treatment. Book your running injury assessment.