Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term used to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the patella, or kneecap. It is sometimes called "runner's knee" or "jumper's knee" because it is common in people who participate in sports, particularly females and young adults, but patellofemoral pain syndrome can occur in anyone.

Symptoms?

Normally pain develops gradually and worsens with activity. The pain is often felt at the front of the knee, in and around the kneecap, but can sometimes be felt at the back of the knee. 
You may feel pain when:

• Walking
  
• Climbing or descending stairs
  
• Squatting
  
• Kneeling
  
• Running
  
• Sitting down or standing up
  
• Sitting for a long time with the knee bent

Other symptoms include swelling and popping or grinding in the knee.

What causes it?

The cause is thought to be multifactorial with most cases due to overloading of the knee; especially sudden increases in duration, frequency and intensity of certain activities.
Other factors include:

• Changes in footwear or surfaces
  
• Trauma to the kneecap
  
• Weak muscles around the knee joint
  
• Certain anatomy or body types
  
• Improper equipment use or training techniques

Treatment

Treatment will depend on each individual’s case but detailed below are some common treatment options:

• Activity modification; this may include temporarily reducing volume and/or intensity of training.
  
• Changing activity to a less irritable one such as swimming or elliptical instead of running.
  
• Addressing muscular weaknesses or imbalances through strengthening the glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves.
  
• Taping & bracing may be beneficial for comfort but these will not address the cause of the symptoms.

Exercise Examples

1: Step ups
2: Bulgarian split squats

• These are two exercises you can try if you feel that you may have patellofemoral pain syndrome.
  
• If these exercises do not help or you would like more information, please book in to see one of our Physiotherapist’s who can help you determine the cause of your pain and make a plan for you to get you back to what you love.