PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Does your knee hurt when you go for a walk in the park? A run on the treadmill? Bend down to tie your shoes? Or even when you try to enjoy that new summer blockbuster at the movie theatre? If so, a possible explanation for this knee pain could be what is known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a common knee ailment in which a person experiences pain around, under, and/or behind one or both kneecaps.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- Kneecap pain occurs with:
- Activity/Exercise (e.g. walking, jogging, sprinting)
- Prolonged sitting (e.g. driving, studying, watching a movie)
- Going up and/or down stairs
- Squatting
- Kneeling
What Causes Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- The exact cause of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is unknown. However, it is believed that the issue arises due to a combination of the following factors:
- Recent or repetitive trauma to the kneecap
- Recent increase in activity (overloading the knee joint)
- Walking/running on irregular surfaces
- Incorrect footwear when walking/running
- Poor hip, knee, and/or foot positioning when walking/running
- Irregular movement of your kneecap on the thigh bone
- Weak hip/thigh muscles
- Tight hip/thigh muscles
- Tight calf muscles
- Knee osteoarthritis
How can Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome be fixed?
- The management of this condition may include a combination of the following strategies:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Activity modification
- Weight loss (decreased pressure on knee joints)
- Manual therapy (joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, manual stretching etc.)
- Therapeutic exercise (hip/thigh/calf stretching and strengthening, balance training)
- Modalities (e.g. heat application, therapeutic ultrasound, interferential current, taping, acupuncture etc.)
- Equipment (e.g. braces, supportive footwear, orthotics)
- Prevention of re-occurrence once the knee pain has subsided
How long will it take to fix Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Given the variety of contributing factors leading to patellofemoral pain syndrome (see above), it may take weeks or months for the pain to go away. However, with proper management and dedication to a personalized treatment plan, your knee pain can be substantially reduced making daily activities easier and exercise enjoyable once again.
TO ADDRESS YOUR KNEE PAIN, BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY FOR A THOROUGH ASSESSMENT AND AN INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLAN!