What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral syndrome (PFS), is the medical term also known as runner’s knee and chondromalacia patella is knee pain in association with positions of the knee that result in increased or misdirected mechanical forces between the knee cap and femur. This joint is known as your patellofemoral joint. The pain becomes worse when walking downhill or downstairs also knee may swell at times and you may feel or hear snapping, popping, or grinding in the knee. It is most common knee complaints of both the young active sportsperson and the elderly. The main symptom is pain around or behind the knee cap. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is mainly due to excessive patellofemoral joint pressure from poor knee cap alignment, which in time, affects the joint surface behind the knee cap (retro patellar joint).
What are the causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Causes of patellofemoral are an abnormal muscle imbalance and poor biomechanical control. Aching knee caps (when the back of the knee cap comes into contact with the thigh bone) affect 25% of the population at some time in their lives but it is more common in athletes.
Some causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome may be-
• Overuse of the knee: Activities that involve running, jumping or squatting.
• Imbalance of muscles: When certain muscles, such as those around the hip and knee, are weak, they fail to keep adjacent body parts, including the knee cap, properly aligned. This may eventually lead to injury.
• Trauma: Injury to the knee cap, or knee surgery.
What are the symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
The pain is worse when running, jumping, squatting, climbing stairs, walking downhill, kneeling, ascending or descending stairs or sitting for long period of time.
Symptoms they may have can include:
• mild swelling
• a sensation of grating or grinding when bending or extending the leg
• reduced thigh muscle strength if initial symptoms are left untreated
Relief for Patellofemoral Syndrome at SOS PHYSIO
SOS PHYSIO has qualified physical therapist will help you alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery time. Our therapist focus on correcting mal tracking patella by performing Manual therapy & Active Release Techniques (ART) on the patellar femoral joint.
For more information- Contact your local SOS PHYSIO clinic.
