Knee
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
Aching around or behind the kneecap that flares on stairs, squats, hills and long runs.
Typical visits:
6–10 visits over 6–8 weeks (typical range)
Common symptoms
✓ Ache around or behind the kneecap
✓ Pain going down stairs or after sitting a while
✓ Discomfort squatting, kneeling or running hills
✓ Symptoms that build with training volume
How we treat it
We calm the knee first by adjusting your training load, not by stopping everything. Then we strengthen the hips and thighs so the knee takes less stress.
For runners, a gait analysis can show simple form or training changes. Your plan may differ based on your evaluation.
General information, not a diagnosis
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Your clinician will explain what they find and adjust the approach to you.
Patient stories
From people with this condition
“I thought runner’s knee meant I had to quit. Instead we adjusted my mileage, built up my hips, and I finished my half marathon.”
Marcus J.
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
Sample review