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Quality in Sport

Knee pain in runners: the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment review
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  • Knee pain in runners: the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment review
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Knee pain in runners: the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment review

Authors

  • Natalia Gizińska University Clinical Hospital No. 2 of the Medical University of Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5267-8588
  • Aleksandra Górniak University Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113; 90-549 Łódź; Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3331-9597
  • Amelia Rusiecka Central Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łodz; Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6541-6754
  • Aleksandra Kubas University Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113; 90-549 Łódź; Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0535-9832
  • Paulina Lewandowska The Medical University of Warsaw Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1415-6730
  • Aleksander Sobczyk University Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113; 90-549 Łódź; Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3907-9357
  • Michał Widawski University Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113; 90-549 Łódź; Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7141-0314

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.42.60455

Keywords

Running injuries, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Patellar Tendinopathy, knee pain, knee injury treatment

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose:

Running is one of the most common activities. It is also associated with a high risk of knee joint injuries. The most common are Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), and Patellar Tendinopathy (PT). These conditions can limit mobility and reduce quality of life. The purpose of this article is to review the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment for these conditions in runners, based on the most recent knowledge.

State of Knowledge:

The most frequent running-related knee injuries are PFPS, ITBS, and PT. An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Management should be tailored to everyone, considering factors such as age and the stage of the condition. These injuries often require a break from running. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatments. Surgery is reserved for severe or persistent cases. Preventive strategies focus on addressing training mistakes, strengthening specific muscle groups, and refining running mechanics.

Methods:

The following paper analyzed studies found on electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, using keywords such as “knee injury”, “PFPS”, “ITBS”, “PT”, “causes of knee pain”, “treatment of knee injuries”, and “prevention of knee injuries”. Articles include randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews prioritizing resources published after 2015.

Conclusions:

Knee injuries in runners are multifactorial and often result from poor biomechanics, muscle imbalances, training errors, or repetitive strain. Accurate diagnosis is essential to differentiate between conditions with similar symptoms. Conservative treatment is the first-line treatment for PFPS, ITBS, and PT, and it shows good results. Surgery is reserved for treatment-resistant cases. Prevention mainly focuses on correcting training errors, strengthening key muscle groups, and improving running technique, which is a key to reducing the risk of injury.

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Quality in Sport

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Published

2025-06-03

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GIZIŃSKA, Natalia, GÓRNIAK, Aleksandra, RUSIECKA, Amelia, KUBAS, Aleksandra, LEWANDOWSKA, Paulina, SOBCZYK, Aleksander and WIDAWSKI, Michał. Knee pain in runners: the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment review. Quality in Sport. Online. 3 June 2025. Vol. 42, p. 60455. [Accessed 8 July 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.42.60455.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Natalia Gizińska, Aleksandra Górniak, Amelia Rusiecka, Aleksandra Kubas, Paulina Lewandowska, Aleksander Sobczyk, Michał Widawski

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