Probability of Runner's Knee Among Runners

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), commonly known as runner's knee, is the most common running injury, affecting about 25% of all runners annually. It accounts for about 16-25% of all running injuries seen in sports medicine clinics. The condition is characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap, particularly during activities that load the knee joint.

Risk factors include training errors (especially sudden increases in mileage or intensity), weak quadriceps and hip muscles, tight hamstrings and IT band, flat feet or overpronation, and being female (women are 2-3 times more likely to develop PFPS than men, possibly due to wider hips and different knee alignment).

Treatment centers on addressing the underlying biomechanical issues through physical therapy, particularly strengthening of the quadriceps (especially the vastus medialis oblique), hip abductors, and gluteal muscles. Other interventions include activity modification, patellar taping, orthotics, and gradual return to running with proper training progression. About 70-90% of patients improve with 6-12 weeks of targeted physical therapy.