dynamic knee valgus when running

Hi coaches/ docs! I enjoy running but have very pronounced knee valgus when I run which results in a very awkward and clumsy looking gait. It is something I have been teased about as a kid and remain self-conscious about as an adult. Additionally, I have occasional flair ups on PFPS and have been told by PT and orthopedist that it is due additional joint stress due to valgus and even advised to give up running completely. I have tried to train myself to run “correctly” with little success- my joints just don’t want to move that way. There are a lot of resources for correcting dynamic valgus with strength/ mobility training and I can’t say I’ve fully explored them yet. I have two questions:

1- Am I at greater risk of running injury because of knee valgus?
2- Is it possible in theory to correct? Even if the answer to 1 is no, I would love to be able to run “normally”

Thanks!

Hard to give a very concrete, specific answer to #1 for your individual situation here. Regardless, you have already tried technical modifications that were not feasible/sustainable, and I am skeptical based on your story that this can be definitively and permanently altered. PFPS is incredibly common among runners and athletes of all types regardless of their running technique, and is straightforward to manage through load management – in other words, temporary adjustments to the dosage (volume / intensity / frequency) of running, and introducing other forms of training to build resilience (lifting weights, plyometric training, other types/styles of running training, etc.).

If you need further assistance on an individualized strategy for your situation, a consultation with our rehab team would be a great place to start.