Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is an extremely common knee condition. It is a broad term used for pain in the front of the knee and kneecap. Also known as runners knee, or jumpers knee.

Causes:

👣 Poor biomechanics e.g abnormal tracking of the kneecap

👣 Usually related to muscle imbalance or weakness

                                - Tight hamstrings

                                - Shortened ligaments around the knee

                                - Weakness or imbalance of muscles in thigh and buttocks

👣 Overuse- Repeated stress on the knee joint e.g running, squatting, or climbing

👣 Incorrect footwear

 Symptoms:

👣 Dull ache in the front of the knee

👣 Pain usually triggered after activity placing pressure on the knee

👣 May have swelling in the knee

 Treatment:

👣 Follow the POLICE protocol:

Protection- Rest for the first few days following injury , however, you should then begin gentle motions to maintain movement and avoid a decreased muscle strength and flexibility. You may require assistive devices at this time, for example crutches.

Optimal Loading- Whilst protecting the effected area, gentle movement should be started to help promote optimal healing of the injury and prevent delay in returning to normal activities.

Ice- Apply ice to help manage swelling. Ice can also help decrease some acute pain.

Compression- Compression bandaging will help reduce swelling as a result of the inflammatory process.

Elevation- Elevating the foot above heart level will help reduce swelling by allowing fluid to drain from the area.

👣 Stop activity that makes it worse until pain resolved.

👣 Changing activity e.g from running to cycling

👣 Lose weight if overweight

👣 Pain relief medication

👣 In rare cases surgical intervention maybe required if other treatments don’t work.

Podiatrists role:

👣 Biomechanical assessment

👣 Strengthening exercises- working with Physio

👣 Soft tissue work

👣 Orthotic prescription