Combat Runner’s Knee With This Seven-Step Workout

It doesn’t matter if you’re a new runner preparing for a big event like the London Marathon, or a regular pavement-pounder accustomed to training every other day throughout the year – picking up an injury can be a disaster. 

As the name suggests, runner’s knee is one of the most common running injuries, and it’s also one of the most annoying to beat once it strikes.  According to Michael Harrop, specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist at Pure Sports Medicine, it can account for up to 30% of running injuries and the cause is usually a sudden change in training. 

“This injury is usually from overtraining caused by increasing the volume, speed or intensity of the sessions,” says Harrop. “ For example, it’s often seen in runners who rapidly change their training when preparing for a big event such as a marathon.” 

Runner’s knee is an umbrella term for pain at the front of the knee, which is more accurately labelled Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS).  It’s easy to assume any pain that arises in the knee is runner’s knee, but it’s worth getting a proper diagnosis before starting your treatment. 

“Different conditions can also present in a similar way,” says Harrop. “ So getting it diagnosed by a physiotherapist or sports and exercise medicine doctor is essential to ensure you correctly manage the problem.” 

Once you do know that it’s runner’s knee you’re dealing with, Harrop recommends following these five-steps to treat it. 

De-load. “ Reduce stress on the irritated tissues by decreasing your running volume to the level that your pain starts to settle.” 

Re-load gradually. “ Research from Australia recommends not increasing the training load more than 10% per week in elite level athletes.  Returning too fast and too hard will lead to injury, so recondition yourself slowly and allow your body time to adapt.” 

Technique. “ Good running form does a lot to reduce the impact on your joints and muscles.  Getting a professional to assess your form is important.” 

Strengthen. “ Glutes, calves and quadriceps.  Like good technique, strong muscles also help reduce joint loading.” 

Runner’s Knee Workout

To help strengthen and condition your body so it is better prepared to deal with the demands of running, and thereby protect against runner’s knee, follow this seven-step workout.  Harrop recommends doing two rounds of the following seven exercises three times a week. 

1 Roll down

How “Stand tall and curl your head, chest and trunk down, slowly and steadily reaching towards your toes.  When you reach your limit, gently tighten your glutes and slowly reverse the direction to curl back up.  Think of stacking each segment of your spine on top of one another.” 

3 Fire hydrant

How “With a resistance band around your knees stand on one leg with a slightly flexed knee and lift your other leg out to the side slowly, then bring it back again.” 

4 Bent knee heel raise

Sets 3 Reps 15 each leg

Why “Bending your knee activates the soleus muscle, which is essential for shock absorption as your foot lands on the ground,” says Harrop. 

How “Stand on one leg with your fingertips lightly against the wall for balance.  Bend the knee on your standing leg slightly, then raise and lower on your toes, keeping your knee bent.  To make it more difficult, hold a weight in your hand.” 

5 Dead bug

How “Lie on your back holding your legs and arms up, legs bent at 90°.  Keep your spine neutral.  Slowly stretch one arm above your head and the opposite leg out straight, and then return to the starting position.  Repeat on the other side.  Keep your abdominals engaged and controlling the movement, and do not allow your back to arch.” 

6 Elevated single-leg glute bridge

How “Lie on your back with one foot on a low bench holding the opposite leg straight out.  Driving through the heel, squeeze your glutes and lift your hips up as high as possible without arching your back.  Hold for one second then slowly lower.” 

7 Hip flexor stretch

How “In a high kneeling position (on your knees with your body vertical and back straight), place one foot on a low bench in front of you and a pad under your knee.  Keep your pelvis tucked under your body to focus the stretch on your anterior thigh.”