Patellofemoral syndrome

A common overuse injury on jungle treks is known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee). This condition has a variety of causes, but on these treks is due to repetitive knee flexion with extra weight loading the joint. Pain is usually felt behind the kneecap, especially when going downhill.

It may not be possible to totally prevent this condition but there are some measures which can be taken to reduce your risk.

• Proper warming up and stretching before each day
• Good footwear
• Quadricep strengthening during training
• Some people may benefit from taping or bracing the knee joint to ensure proper tracking of their kneecap - see your physiotherapist if you are experiencing these symptoms in your training
• Trekking poles to decrease the load on the knee joint

Treatment of the condition begins with rest (which may not be possible!). Anti-inflammatory tablets (Nurofen/Ibuprofen/Voltaren) can aid in pain reduction and decrease the inflammation.