Runner’s Knee describes a condition in which the kneecap rubs against the lower thighbone when running instead of gliding in the naturally space where it normally moves.

Causes of Runner’s Knee include:

1. congenital condition where the kneecap rides high
2. Plicae- fibrous bands attached to the patella
3. Tight hamstrings, Achilles tendons, Iliotibial (IT) bands, lateral retinaculum
4. Weakness of hamstrings

It is most commonly caused by over pronation of the feet and lateral pulling of the kneecap by three of the four quadriceps muscles on the thigh. When the foot pronates it rolls and slightly twists inward. Simultaneously three of the quadriceps muscles pull the knee cap lateral, causing it to rub on the thighbone.

Pain is first felt only when running downhill. It then can progress to when running uphill and even when not running.

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