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Pura Vida Chiropractic
Runner's Knee treatment at Pura Vida Chiropractic San Antonio

Runner's Knee

Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) — dull, aching pain around and behind the kneecap — limits athletes and active people of all levels. Correcting patellar tracking through pelvic and hip mechanics is the key to lasting relief.

What Is Runner's Knee?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) involves pain arising from the patellofemoral joint — where the kneecap (patella) glides in the trochlear groove of the femur. When the patella tracks laterally out of its groove due to weak hip abductors, tight lateral structures, or pelvic imbalance, abnormal compressive forces create cartilage irritation and pain. The condition is extremely common in runners, cyclists, and anyone who does a lot of stair climbing or squatting. Unlike structural pathology, PFPS responds very well to correcting the biomechanical cause of patellar maltracking — which includes the entire kinetic chain from the pelvis and hip down to the foot.

Common Symptoms

  • Dull ache around or behind the kneecap, typically both sides
  • Pain worsening with running, cycling, squatting, or stair climbing
  • Pain sitting for prolonged periods with knee flexed ('movie sign')
  • Knee stiffness after rest that improves with movement
  • Grinding or crunching sensation (crepitus) under the kneecap
  • Occasional mild knee swelling

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

  • Hip abductor and external rotator weakness allowing femoral adduction
  • Pelvic imbalance altering femoral angle and patellar groove alignment
  • Tight quadriceps or IT band pulling the patella laterally
  • Foot overpronation causing tibial internal rotation
  • Sudden increase in training volume or intensity
  • Weak VMO (vastus medialis oblique) — the 'teardrop' quad muscle

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Runner's Knee

Dr. Foss evaluates patellar tracking, hip mechanics, and pelvic balance to identify all contributors to PFPS. SOT pelvic leveling corrects the hip and femoral mechanics that drive lateral patellar maltracking. Patella mobilization and knee joint adjustments restore normal patellofemoral glide. Foot and ankle corrections address overpronation. VMO activation and hip strengthening exercises are integrated as home care. Regenerative therapies reduce local inflammation and support cartilage recovery. This comprehensive approach resolves PFPS far more reliably than quadriceps stretching and bracing alone.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Shockwave Therapy

High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Runner's Knee?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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