Knee Disorders in Runners

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Running injuries are common among athletes who run 20 miles or more weekly.
• Knee pain is a frequent complaint, impacting performance and training.
• Understanding the causes and treatments for running-related knee issues is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and treat knee problems in runners.
• To identify common knee disorders among high-mileage runners.
• To analyze contributing factors and treatment outcomes for running-related knee pain.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a dedicated runners' clinic.
• Retrospective analysis of patient data from the first year of operation.
• Clinical evaluation and diagnosis of knee conditions in 161 runners.
• Documentation of treatment strategies, primarily conservative.

Main Results:

• 49 out of 161 runners presented with knee disorders.
• Patellofemoral pain (15 patients) and iliotibial band pain (14 patients) were prevalent.
• Medial or lateral knee pain affected 20 patients.
• Extremity malalignment and pre-existing conditions were identified as contributing factors.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment and activity modification are effective for most running-related knee issues.
• Sudden increases in workout intensity should be avoided to prevent knee problems.
• Runners experiencing knee pain benefit from specialized evaluation and tailored treatment plans.