CommonKneeInjuriesinDistanceRunners-Galbraith.pptVIP

Common Knee Injuries in Distance Runners Introduction Runners that average 25 miles/wk have injury rate 30% per year Production of better shoes --- decreased number of foot injuries, but not as effective in protecting knees Introduction Knee has become most common site of injury in long distance runners Biomechanics Rule of “too’s” common in runners Runners court disaster if they exercise too often, too hard, too soon and too much after injury, and attempt treatment too late Biomechanics 67% of running injuries are result of training errors Body needs time to accommodate new stress levels Injury often due to sudden increase in frequency, duration, or intensity of training Biomechanics Running ----- great forces across knee, especially during push off During running, force across kneecap is 7 x body wt. Knee Problems: History High % of runner’s injuries are reaggravation of old injuries High % due to change in running style to compensate for prior injury Physical Exam Thorough exam of knee Limb alignment Heel alignment Examine shoes’ patterns of wear Anterior Knee Pain Termed “runner’s knee” in 1970’s Pain in front aspect of knee Several causes Lateral Pressure Syndrome c/o “pain under kneecap” Increased pain running downhill, or sitting prolonged period in one position Due to poor tracking of kneecap Lateral Pressure Syndrome Tight band on outer portion of kneecap - lateral retinaculum Treatment = conservative (6 mos. VMO strengthening) If fails, lateral release w/ arthroscope Outpatient surg.- 8 wk before running Patellar Instability Maltracking or slight dislocation of kneecap Changes joint compression forces Symptoms of “pain in front of knee” or “knee giving way” Patellar Instability If maltracking is subtle, treatment conservative -VMO strengthening If strengthening fails, lateral release for subtle maltracking If major maltracking, realign kneecap Patellar Tendinitis Inflammation of patellar tendon “Jumper’s knee” but common in runners Symptoms = pain i