Anterior knee pain (also known Runner’s knee or Patellofemoral joint pain) refers to the location of the pain felt in your knee, the front.
It is the most common injury experienced by runners, but lots of non-runners experience it too.

It is mostly a multifactorial condition i.e. involving structures around the knee, but also below and above it. Symptoms tend to involve a sharp and/or dull pain ‘behind’ the kneecap.

Typically, aggravating activities include stairs (up/down), kneeling, squatting, sitting for long periods with your knees bent and……running.

Easing factors often include straightening the knee and rest.

It is caused by irritation of tissues surrounding the joint of the patella (kneecap) and femur (thigh bone). The patella sits in the groove of the femur and is attached to the quadriceps muscle to act like a pulley.

The cause of this irritation could involve a number of different factors. It is therefore advisable to visit your physio for a thorough assessment to help establish which if these factors are involved.

Some anatomical or biomechanical issues leading to discomfort include: weak quads/gluteals, biomechanical/running form issues or joint shape.

Most of the time, the type or volume of training will have a significant influence on your symptoms.

All therapists at PhysioSpace are keen sportsmen and women and have the experience in both assessment and rehabilitation of injuries. Pop in for a thorough assessment and rehabilitation service.