Runners knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a broad term used to describe the pain felt in the knee due to one of several knee problems. It is particularly common in people who do a lot of sports, such as running, jogging, mountaineering, or intensive cycling. The condition occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thighbone as it moves, and it can be caused by a structural defect or a certain way of walking or running. Other causes may include weak thigh muscles, tight hamstrings, tight Achilles tendons, poor foot support, walking or running with the feet rolling in while the thigh muscles pull the kneecap outward, excessive training or overuse, and injury. The most common symptoms of runners knee include pain in and around the kneecap that happens when you are active, rubbing, grinding, or clicking sound of the kneecap that you hear when you bend and straighten your knee, and a kneecap that is tender to the touch.

To help relieve the pain and speed recovery, you can rest your knee, ice your knee to ease pain and swelling, wrap your knee, and elevate your leg on a pillow when you sit or lie down. You can also prevent runners knee by not overstressing your knees, losing weight if needed, stretching before running, increasing your activities gradually, wearing good running shoes, and running leaning forward with your knees bent. Regular exercise to strengthen the thigh and hip muscles can also help. If you try these techniques and your knee still hurts, ask your doctor if you need to see a specialist, like an orthopedic surgeon.