Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common condition characterized by pain in the front of the knee, usually around or behind the patella (kneecap). The condition is often referred to as "runner's knee" due to its prevalence among athletes who participate in sports that involve running and jumping.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of PFPS is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to the development of the condition. These include:

• Overuse or repetitive strain on the knee joint, such as from running, jumping, or cycling
• Abnormal tracking of the patella within the femoral groove, which can cause increased stress and friction on the surrounding tissues
• Muscle imbalances or weaknesses in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles, which can affect knee alignment and movement patterns
• Foot pronation or supination, which can alter the alignment of the leg and increase stress on the knee joint
• Direct trauma to the knee, such as a fall onto the kneecap

Symptoms

The primary symptom of PFPS is pain in the front of the knee, which can be:

• A dull ache or sharp pain, usually around or behind the patella
• Worse when going up or down stairs, squatting, or jumping
• Worse after sitting for a long time with the knee bent
• Better with straightening of the knee

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PFPS is typically made based on a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination, including assessment of knee alignment, movement patterns, and muscle strength
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to rule out other conditions that may be causing the pain

Treatment

Treatment for PFPS usually involves a combination of:

• Conservative management, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to improve knee alignment, strength, and movement patterns, as well as to address any underlying muscle imbalances or weaknesses
• Orthotics or shoe inserts to correct foot pronation or supination and reduce stress on the knee joint
• Pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage pain and inflammation
• Surgery, in some cases, to realign the patella or repair damaged tissues

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing PFPS, individuals can take several steps, including:

• Wearing proper footwear and orthotics to support the foot and reduce stress on the knee joint
• Strengthening the muscles around the knee, hip, and ankle through regular exercise
• Avoiding overuse or repetitive strain on the knee joint
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint