Runner’s Knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is the most common diagnosis given to people with knee pain.

Interestingly PFPS, as it is known, can affect just about anybody. It certainly isn’t limited to runners.

The symptoms include pain around the front of the knee or kneecap, which is usually aggravated by activity. Pain can affect both knees, or just one.

The diagnosis of PFPS is usually reached when physical examination and/or diagnostic imaging fail to show a structural problem with the knee.

In adolescents this may be given the frustrating name of growing pains.

Since Runner’s Knee is not caused by a structural problem, the cause can be labelled as functional.

That is to say, it is how the knee is being used that is causing the pain.

This could be that the knee is being over-used, for instance. However, over use is extremely unusual.

Considering that there are cyclists riding 500 pain-free miles a week, runners averaging 100 miles a week and so on, it would be illogical for PFPS to be an overuse injury for anybody doing less than this.

More important than how much we use our knees, is how we use our knees.

The knee joint is situated in between the two longest bones in our body, the tibia and femur.

The effect of these long levers means that even the smallest wobbles, twists etc have profound outcomes for the knee.

Proper control of the knee joint requires incredible coordination of muscles right the way from the foot up to the spine.

Developing these muscles in a balanced way, building their resilience and ensuring load is distributed fairly across them, is the best way to prevent and rehabilitate PFPS.

Typically, most people can benefit from increasing the strength of their hamstrings (the back of the thigh) and buttocks, whilst stretching the front of the thigh.

It is also important to incorporate balance exercises in any training regime.