Runner's knee

When endurance running becomes constant pain – Runner’s knee

Many long-distance runners, as well as cyclists, complain of pain on the outside of their knee joints. Initially, only mild pain occurs during physical exertion. If left untreated, the pain from runner's knee can become so severe that it makes running impossible and even severely impedes normal walking and climbing stairs.

An experienced physician will make the correct diagnosis simply by questioning the patient and examining the patient. An ultrasound examination usually confirms the initial diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis has been made, a number of accompanying circumstances that influence the rubbing phenomenon in the knee joint must be clarified.

Possible triggers of iliotibial tract syndrome - runner's knee:

These accompanying circumstances must be clarified as precisely as possible to achieve successful treatment. In addition to the clinical examination, additional special tests may be necessary to detect minor misalignments.

The biomechanics analysis

Minor muscular imbalances, pelvic tilts, or misalignments are often invisible to the naked eye during movement. In these cases, a biomechanics test allows us to draw more accurate conclusions about the cause of the symptoms. In these tests, the patient is recorded in motion with high-speed cameras. Computer analysis then records even the smallest incorrect movements in slow motion.

These sensitive tests can be carried out in our sports laboratory at the Institute for Biomechanics and Performance Diagnostics.

The therapy

In addition to ice treatments, ointments and physical therapy, stretching exercises, muscle strengthening and insoles can lead to success.

Gymnastics for tractus stretching

To alleviate the chafing caused by the iliotibial band (the band on the outer thigh), targeted stretching is helpful. We have compiled a list of proven exercises for specifically stretching the band. Please note that these exercises should be performed slowly and with control.

Strengthening the gluteus medius - the pelvic stabilizer

Weakness of the pelvic stabilizing muscles is a common cause of iliotibial band syndrome. With this simple exercise, you can specifically strengthen the gluteus medius muscle. It is one of the most important stabilizers of the pelvis when walking.