Patellofemoral pain, commonly called runner's knee, describes a host of conditions that cause a dull pain in the front of the kneecap where it connects to the thighbone.
Activities that put heavy stress on the knees increase the risk of runner's knee. Besides people who run, skiers, cyclists and soccer players may develop runner's knee, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.
The academy mentions these contributing factors for development of runner's knee:
- A poorly aligned kneecap.
- A dislocated knee.
- Another type of injury to the knee.
- Training too vigorously or overusing the knee.
- Thigh muscles that are weak, improperly balanced, or tight.
- Flat feet.
Health Tip: When to See a Doctor for a Knee Injury
Injuries to the knee -- the body's largest joint -- lead to more than 19 million visits to the doctor each year, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.
While not all knee injuries are serious, the academy says these warning signs should prompt a trip to the doctor:
- Your knee made a popping sound and feels like it "gave out" when you hurt it.
- You have significant pain in the knee.
- You are unable to move the knee.
- You limp when you walk.
- Your knee is swollen.
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