Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
(Runner’s Knee)
Clear answers for kneecap pain that shows up during movement
What is Runner's Knee?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes pain around or behind the kneecap. The discomfort usually builds with movement and eases with rest. It is common in runners, athletes, and active adults, but it can affect anyone.
This condition often develops when the kneecap does not glide smoothly within the groove of the thigh bone. Repeated stress, movement patterns, and muscle imbalance can all contribute. Our sports injury orthopedics team focuses on identifying the source of irritation rather than chasing symptoms.
Understanding Pain Around the Kneecap
Pain linked to Runner’s Knee is typically felt in the front of the knee. It may feel sharp during activity or dull after movement ends. Some people notice grinding, aching, or soreness when bending the knee.
This pain often increases during stairs, squatting, or sitting with bent knees. The kneecap absorbs force during motion, and irritation builds when that force is not distributed evenly.
Activities That Commonly Trigger Symptoms
Running and Jogging
Running places repeated force through the kneecap with every stride. When the kneecap does not glide smoothly, that force concentrates on a small area of cartilage and surrounding tissue. Over time, irritation builds and pain becomes more noticeable, especially during longer runs or changes in pace or terrain. Sports medicine injuries like Runner’s Knee often appear when mileage increases quickly or when form breaks down due to fatigue.
Climbing or Descending Stairs
Stairs increase pressure between the kneecap and thigh bone. Descending tends to be more uncomfortable because the knee must control body weight while bent. This motion places added demand on the quadriceps and patellar joint. When tracking issues are present, discomfort may feel sharp or deep behind the kneecap. Sports injury orthopedics teams often see this complaint in patients who report pain during daily routines rather than sports alone.
Cycling or Spin Classes
Cycling involves repeated knee bending under resistance. Even small alignment issues can become problematic when the motion is repeated hundreds of times during a ride. Seat height, pedal position, and resistance levels all influence how force travels through the kneecap. When alignment is off, pressure builds quickly in the front of the knee.
Prolonged Sitting
Sitting with the knees bent for extended periods increases pressure under the kneecap. This often causes aching or stiffness that becomes noticeable when standing up. Many patients report discomfort during long drives, desk work, or travel. The kneecap stays compressed in a fixed position, which can irritate surrounding tissue over time.
Why the Kneecap Loses Its Track
The kneecap sits in a groove at the front of the thigh bone. During movement, it should glide smoothly. When alignment shifts, pressure increases on one side of the joint.
Tracking issues may result from leg alignment, repetitive stress, or muscle control problems. Over time, irritation builds where the kneecap contacts bone.
Our orthopedic sports medicine doctors assess alignment and motion to pinpoint why tracking changes during activity.
How Muscle Imbalance Plays a Role
Muscles around the hip, thigh, and knee guide how the kneecap moves. When some muscles overpower others, the kneecap may drift off its intended path.
Weak hip stabilizers, tight quadriceps, or limited flexibility can all affect knee motion. These imbalances are common in sports injury orthopedics cases involving overuse. A sports orthopedic doctor evaluates strength and movement patterns to identify which muscles are contributing to pain.
Clinical Evaluation and Imaging
Evaluation begins with a physical exam that reviews knee motion, strength, and alignment. Imaging may be used to rule out structural damage and confirm joint condition.
X-rays help assess alignment and bone position. Advanced imaging may be used when symptoms persist or movement patterns raise concern.
Our sports injury doctors use clinical findings and imaging together to guide next steps and help patients return to activity safely.
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
The surgeons at Austin Orthopedic Institute have treated thousands of knee injuries and conditions. They specialize in a patient-first approach, utilizing the latest techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, to ensure precision and personalized outcomes.
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
Our experienced orthopedic providers at all Austin Orthopedic Institute locations can diagnose and treat many common knee and lower extremity conditions, including:
✓ Diagnostic Evaluation – Initial assessment and treatment planning for all knee and lower limb conditions.
✓ Surgical Planning – Comprehensive preoperative assessment and customized surgical mapping for patients requiring treatment.
✓ Joint Injections – Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections for pain and lubrication.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let chronic knee pain sideline your life any longer. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we believe your injury is unique to you—and we treat it that way. Our expert, compassionate, and dedicated team is ready to diagnose your condition and develop a Personalized Treatment Plan that gets you moving again.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has four locations – Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location and only Dr. Robin visits the Killeen satellite location.
Austin
Marble Falls
Georgetown
