Runner’s Knee on the Rise Among Young Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

[medi K / HEALTH IN NEWS] In recent years, running and hiking have surged in popularity among people in their 20s and 30s, celebrated as activities that blend health and leisure. Social media platforms are filled with photos of runners and hikers showcasing their adventures, often tying these pursuits to socially conscious activities like plogging—jogging while picking up litter. This “hip” lifestyle has taken root, particularly in South Korea, where a culture of sharing fitness achievements online is widespread. But for those experiencing pain or stiffness in the front of the knee, a condition known as “runner’s knee” may be to blame. Left untreated, this overuse injury can lead to cartilage damage or arthritis, making early diagnosis critical.

According to South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, knee joint disorders have historically been most common among those over 50. However, over the past five years, cases among 20- and 30-somethings have risen by 12%. This uptick has elevated runner’s knee to a condition that demands attention across all age groups.

Causes and Key Symptoms of Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is an umbrella term for pain caused by repetitive stress on the knee from activities like running or jumping. Each running stride delivers an impact of three to five times a person’s body weight to the knee, while downhill hiking can intensify this load to four to six times body weight. Contributing factors include thigh muscle imbalances, flat feet, misaligned legs, sudden increases in exercise intensity, hard running surfaces, and improper form, all of which can compound to cause knee damage.

Common conditions associated with runner’s knee include patellofemoral pain syndrome, chondromalacia patellae, and patellar tendinitis. Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the kneecap loses its normal tracking, causing pain during activities like climbing stairs or sitting for extended periods. Chondromalacia patellae involves softening of the cartilage under the kneecap, leading to discomfort when standing up from a seated position; if untreated, it can progress to cartilage damage. Patellar tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon in front of the knee, triggers pain during jumping, landing, or stair use.

Knee pain isn’t limited to athletes. It’s also prevalent among office workers and homemakers who frequently climb stairs or squat for long periods—a common feature of South Korea’s urban lifestyle, where multi-story buildings and compact living spaces often require such movements. For those over 50, declining muscle strength and cartilage elasticity heighten the risk of degenerative arthritis, warranting extra caution.

Early Treatment and Prevention Are Key

Most cases of runner’s knee improve with conservative treatments like rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, and medication. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening and stretching the thigh muscles, particularly the quadriceps, which play a critical role in knee stability. Persistent pain or confirmed cartilage damage may require arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that targets damaged areas for faster recovery. In severe cases of cartilage loss or joint deformity, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

Prevention starts with wearing cushioned running shoes and committing to thorough warm-up and cool-down stretches. Exercise intensity and distance should increase gradually to match fitness levels. If heat or sharp pain develops in the knee during activity, stop immediately and apply ice to prevent inflammation from spreading. Persistent pain calls for a consultation with a medical professional.

“Running boosts cardiovascular health and overall well-being, but overdoing it can strain the knees,” said Dr. Jaehoon Lee, an orthopedic surgeon at Central Hospital in South Korea. “If knee pain recurs, don’t dismiss it as mere muscle soreness—seek an accurate diagnosis.”

Kim Kuk Ju / press@themedik.kr

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