Not Stretching Enough?

[Abu Badguy]

I like to run a lot, and I've always had a problem with my right knee. It's called "patella" something, and I can't ever remember what it is. But it seems to get worse the more I run, particularly when I try to stretch right afterwards. Any tips or pointers?

[skoptic]

Hi,

So your patella is the kneecap.. and so the problem you might have (it's quite common) is where is doesn't move neutrally (up and down) when you run.

This can be simply because one side of your upper leg muscles is stronger than the other - but it can also be because of weaker tendons etc.

The other thing it might be is ITB syndrome .. where your iliotal band is tight and scrapes across the kneecap. Have a look for ITB problems and patella tracking problems online and hopefully that'll help

[MikayP]

if skoptic is right you may want to do some swimming or biking to strengthen those muscles/joints. running in the shallow end of a pool may help too.

[Steven-R]

The term you probably heard is "Patello Femoral Syndrome." The pain
is caused by the patella(kneecap) not tracking correctly in the end of the
femur(upper leg bone.)

There are many possible causes which can be inter-related, so giving
specific advice here isn't possible- you need to see a sports medicine
specialist. At least Google "Patello Femoral Syndrome" to get
more information.

I will suggest that all the parts of the body are connected, so training
everything together and in balance usually is a good idea.

[downhillingdemon]

I had the same problem when I was younger and all I did was run - it pulled my knee cap out of alignment.

I had physio on the NHS, and they gave me loads of exercises to do...plus said if it wasn't better in 6 months they would operate.

However, the only thing that worked to cure it in the end was a mix of cycling (I did it in the gym back then) and squatting to strengthen the weak muscle and pull the kneecap back in place.

It's been fine since, and my legs are much stronger for it.