Final answer:
Runner's Knee or patellofemoral syndrome is an overuse injury causing chronic anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by activities like stair climbing. It is commonly seen in adolescents, young adults, and more often in females. Treatment includes resting, reducing joint stress through weight management and low-impact exercises, and strength training for muscle imbalance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Chronic Anterior Knee Pain and Runner's Knee
Runner's Knee, also known as patellofemoral syndrome, is a frequent condition that can cause chronic anterior knee pain, particularly when climbing stairs. This pain is more prevalent in adolescents and young adults and is seen more commonly in females. It can stem from overuse injuries due to excessive running, especially downhill, and from activities that involve a lot of knee bending like jumping, skiing, cycling, weightlifting, and playing soccer. This condition can result in a dull, aching pain around the front of the knee and deep to the patella.
To maintain a homeostatic balance within the knee joint and to reduce the risk of further injury, several strategies can be employed. These include maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress, avoiding high-impact exercises that place a great load on the knees, participating in regular low-impact exercises to condition the body without excessive stress, and strengthening the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps femoris muscle, for better joint stability. Additionally, it is important to protect the knee from potential damage, which could lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, characterized by the wearing away of joint cartilage. Treatment often includes rest from activities that cause knee pain, followed by the gradual resumption of activity and physical therapy focused on strengthening and balancing the quadriceps muscles.