Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is commonly referred to as runner’s knee and can affect anyone of any age. The cause of Patellofemoral pain syndrome is still unknown and remains controversial within the medical field. One theory suggests that it is linked with overuse, overloading and misuse of the patellofemoral joint, this has yet to be proven. The good news is even though the exact cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is unknown, symptoms usually respond well to treatment.
What are the symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- Knee pain behind the kneecap
- Knee pain commonly brought on during activities such as squats or going up and down stairs.
- Pain is often worse on repetitive activity e.g. running or walking long distances
- Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome that they prefer when sitting for periods (e.g. plane flight or watching a movie) to straighten the affected leg
- Pain may occur during activity or may occur after activity when at rest.
For some patients symptoms may even develop up to 24hours after activity.
What can we do to treat Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
There are a variety of treatment options available for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Some of these include restoring muscle balance within the quadriceps group by improving range of motion and strength, rest, improving the strength of the muscles around the knee, orthotics to realign the lower leg and lastly surgical intervention to name a few.