What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?

What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?

‍

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), also known as anterior knee pain or runner's knee, is a common knee condition that causes pain and discomfort around the patella (kneecap) and the area where it articulates with the femur (thigh bone). It is a condition that primarily affects the patellofemoral joint, which is the joint between the patella and the femur.

‍

PFPS occurs when the patella does not track properly along the groove on the femur during knee movements. This misalignment or abnormal tracking can cause irritation and inflammation in the tissues surrounding the patella, leading to pain and discomfort.

‍

Common symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome

‍

The most common symptom of patellofemoral syndrome is pain around or behind the patella, which may be localized, dull and achy or sharp and aggravated by certain movements or activities. Other symptoms may include:

1. Pain with Activities: Pain often worsens with activities that involve bending the knee, such as climbing stairs, squatting, or running.
2. Pain After Prolonged Sitting: People with PFPS may experience pain and stiffness in the knee after sitting for an extended period, which is sometimes referred to as "theater sign" or "movie-goer's knee."
3. Popping or Grinding Sensation: Some individuals may experience popping or grinding sensations in the knee when bending or straightening it.
4. Mild Swelling: In some cases, there may be mild swelling around the knee joint.

What causes patellofemoral pain syndrome?

‍

The exact cause of PFPS is often multifactorial and may vary from person to person. Some common factors that can contribute to the development of patellofemoral pain syndrome include:

1. Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles around the knee and hip  such as; hip abductor (muscle that moves the hip out to the side), external rotator (muscle for outward rotation), and or extensor muscles (muscles that straightens the hip), can affect the alignment of the patella.
2. Overuse or Overtraining: Sudden increase in physical activity level and repeated stress or excessive strain on the patellofemoral joint, such as in activities like running, jumping, climbing up and down stairs or squatting, can lead to PFPS.
3. Flat Feet or Overpronation : Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or excessive inward rolling of the feet (overpronation), can influence the alignment of the knee and contribute to PFPS.
4. Tight Muscles: Tightness in the muscles around the hip and knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, tensor fascia latae, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (calf muscles), can affect patellar tracking.
5. Trauma: Direct trauma or injury to the knee can cause irritation and inflammation around the patella.
6. Poor Biomechanics: Abnormal movement patterns such as; dynamic knee valgus (excessive inward movement of the legs) upon weight bearing activities which increases the lateral force (outward force) on the patella contributing to malalignment. 

How can physical therapy help? 

‍

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). A physical therapist can provide targeted interventions to reduce pain, improve knee alignment, strengthen surrounding muscles, and enhance overall knee function. Here's how physical therapy can help with Patellofemoral Syndrome:

1. Pain Management: Physical therapists may use various modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound and electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected knee. Rest and splinting the patella with a brace or tape may also be prescribed to relieve the irritating pressure on the joint.
2. Strengthening Exercises: Physical therapists design a customized strengthening program to target the muscles around the knee and hip, including the quadriceps, and hamstrings,  Strengthening these muscles can improve muscular endurance, patellar alignment, stability, and support the knee joint.
3. Stretching Exercises: Physical therapists will identify any structures that could be contributing to faulty mechanics and establish a stretching program. Gentle stretching exercises such as manual and self-stretching techniques are prescribed to improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the muscles around the knee, which can contribute to PFPS.
4. Biomechanical Assessment and Modification: Physical therapists can assess lower extremity mechanics and modify any faulty alignment. If the patient exhibits excessive foot pronation, a foot orthosis such as; medial wedge may be prescribed to reduce the stresses at the knee and decrease patellofemoral pain. 
5. Patellar Mobilization: Manual therapy techniques like patellar mobilization can be used to increase patellar mobility and improve its alignment. 
6. Simulated Work-Related Activities and Sport Specific Drills: The rehabilitation program for PFPS involves practicing activities that simulate the physical demands of a patient’s work or desired recreational or sport activity. Simulation of activities and drills enable the patient to practice under supervised condition to receive feedback on correct and safe body mechanics. 
7. Home Exercise Program: Physical therapists often provide patients with a specialized home exercise program and teach them how to incorporate it into their daily routine to reinforce the intervention and promote optimal recovery. 
8. Education: Physical therapists educate patients about patellofemoral pain syndrome, its causes and symptoms. They also teach  proper body mechanics, posture, and techniques to prevent re-injury and improve overall knee health.

‍

It's important to note that the treatment plan for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome will be tailored to the individual's specific needs, the severity of the condition, and their overall health status. Consistency and compliance with the prescribed exercises and therapies are crucial to achieving positive outcomes with physical therapy for PFPS. Early intervention and regular follow-up with a physical therapist can lead to faster recovery and improved knee function. If you experience persistent knee pain or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Trust PeteHealth for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat patellofemoral pain syndrome? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

‍

Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

‍