Goose Poo Knee meets Goosefoot Tendonitis (What on earth is that?)

I know that some of my followers also listen to the couch to coached podcast by a couple of local runners. Recently there has been some discussions on the podcast about an injury to one of them which has affectionately become known as  ‘Goose Poo Knee’ after slipping on goose poo during a run.(I have been working with the athlete and he has successfully completed the Manchester Marathon – all to do with his training and coach and I can’t take any of the credit).

However, it’s probably not that ridiculous a name as there is also an injury caused ‘Goosefoot tendonitis’, also known as pes anserine tendonitis* which is a common knee condition that can cause discomfort and limit mobility.

(*pes anserinus means goose’s foot in Latin – and the three tendons involved resemble a webbed foot pattern when they meet)

So…..

What is Goosefoot Tendonitis?

Goosefoot tendonitis is characterised by inflammation and irritation of the tendons located on the medial (inner) side of the knee. These tendons include the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons, which converge to form a structure resembling a goose’s foot as explained above.

What causes of Goosefoot Tendonitis?

Generally the causes can be

• Overuse or repetitive strain: Activities that involve repeated bending of the knee, such as running, cycling, or climbing stairs, can strain the tendons and lead to inflammation.**
• Biomechanical issues: Poor alignment of the knee joint or muscle imbalances can increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
• Direct trauma: A sudden impact or injury to the knee can cause damage to the tendons and lead to inflammation and pain.

** I can currently attest to this – as you know I am recovering from a recent operation and slowly trying to get back to running. Being a typical physio I don’t follow my own advice that well and did too much last Thursday, off road, and I am know suffering with pretty much all the following symptoms**

Symptoms of Goosefoot Tendonitis

• Pain and tenderness on the medial side of the knee, just below the joint.
• Swelling and inflammation around the affected tendons.
• Pain that worsens with activities such as climbing stairs, kneeling, or squatting.
• Stiffness and restricted range of motion in the knee joint.

Treatment

• Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms and allow the affected knee to rest and recover.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the knee for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and inflammation. (There are numerous views on ice but it works for me in the acute stage of an injury)
• Compression or in my case taping: Use a compression bandage or knee sleeve to provide support and reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy: Perform stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and stability in the knee joint.
• Massage to alleviate tight muscles.
• Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen may help relieve pain and inflammation – however you should only use medication after advice from a qualified professional – like a pharmacist.

Prevention

• Wear appropriate footwear
• Warm up properly before engaging in physical activity to prepare the muscles and tendons for movement.
• Avoid overtraining or sudden increases in activity level.
• Strength and conditioning of surrounding muscles.
• Regular prevention and maintenance treatments

So maybe one day I will be writing a blog on ‘Goose Poo Knee’ and it will become part of the medical dictionary, however for the time being we have to settle for just the one Goose reference.

Hope you found this vaguely of interest and a little amusing – thanks for reading.

Paul

The above is only an overview and as I have said on many blogs in the past, everyone is different so please, if in doubt speak to a qualified professional