About this disease
What it is about
Runner's knee is due to mechanical irritation of the iliotibial band. This ligament is a fibrous tract that extends from the iliac crest of the pelvis outward along the hip joint and femur to the tibial plateau. Jumper's knee causes a chronic degenerative change at the junction of the patellar tendon and the kneecap.
Symptoms and consequences
The most important symptom of runner's knee is the stabbing and burning pain on the outside of the knee. With jumper's knee, there is pain after weight-bearing, for example, after jumping. The pain subsides fairly quickly. Initially, the pain is limited to the lower edge of the kneecap, but it can gradually spread to the entire area of the patellar tendon.
How we can help you
Examination and diagnosis
A physical examination is performed. In runner's knee, there is high tension of the iliotibial band and unilateral increased tension of the gluteal muscles on the affected side. In jumper's knee, tenderness in the area of the patellar tendon is detectable.
Treatment
Treatment begins with rest, cooling and pain therapy. Although the structural changes caused by runner's and jumper's knee are partially irreversible, those affected can usually resume training in an optimized form if they have been treated in a timely manner. Adapted physiotherapy is useful.