Pain around the Knee in Long-Distance Runners (Runner’s Knee)

Abstract

We have examined 83 cases of pain around the knee among 355 long-distance runners visiting our hospital in the last three years. The causes of the pain in 70% of cases were patellar chondromalacia, Hoffa disease and iliotibial band friction syndrome. In addition, stress fracture of the tibia or femur tended to be easily overlooked as the cause of the pain. To ensure early return to running, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis and give appropriate instructions about exercise.