What is the best treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome (runners knee) in runners?
It is an age old question for athletes, if you experience knee pain while running - commonly an issue called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or runners knee - what is the best long term treatment?
Runner’s knee is a common issue caused by poor kneecap tracking and overload. It accounts for up to 25–40% of all knee complaints in active populations.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Physiotherapy has now looked at comparing treating patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners with kinesiology tape or knee supports.
In summary the conclusions states:
"While both kinesio taping and patellar bracing provide therapeutic benefit for PFPS in runners, patellar bracing may offer more consistent improvements in long-term function and biomechanical stability."
Vivomed stock a wide range of knee supports, knee braces and patella straps for treating runners knee, check them out here.
References:
Chikondi Nkhoma. Kinesio taping vs. Bracing for patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners. J. Adv. Physiotherapy. 2025;2(1):13-20. DOI: 10.33545/30810604.2025.v2.i1.A.8
Jared M. Bump; Lindsay Lewis. Patellofemoral Syndrome. National Library of Medicine 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK557657/
Authored by the MD Searchlight Team. Jared M. Bump; Lindsay Lewis. Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner’s Knee). 2023 https://mdsearchlight.com/joint-muscle-and-bone/patellofemoral-syndrome-runners-knee/?utm_source=pubmedlink&utm_campaign=MDS&utm_content=26731#google_vignette