What is Patellofemoral pain syndrome?

/ Embody Health Centre/
A woman holding her knee in pain caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a term used to describe pain in the front of the knee, and around or under the kneecap (patellofemoral joint). It is typically seen in adolescents, and adults in the second and third decades of life.

Pain in the knee gets worse when it is loaded in a flexed position or in a prolonged bent position, such as squatting, sitting with knee bent, running, kneeling and climbing stairs.

The cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is multifactorial:

  • excessive overload of the patellofemoral joint

  • abnormal tracking of the patella

  • biomechanical abnormalities

  • muscular weakness or imbalance.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can also be due to tightness in the IT band, vastus lateralis and hamstrings, and/or weakness of the quadricep muscles, hip abductors and lateral rotators.  

Physiotherapy can help to alleviate pain in the knee, and aid in return to sport. Common interventions used for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome include: strengthening of the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, patellar taping, stretching exercises, manual therapy techniques to decrease muscle tension and improve joint mechanics, and modalities as needed for pain relief.

To book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists, click here. 

Reference:
(n.d.). Patellofemoral Syndrome. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557657/