Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes discomfort around the kneecap at the front of the knee. Many people call this condition “runner’s knee” because it commonly affects runners and athletes who participate in jumping sports.
Pain typically worsens during specific activities:
- Running
- Walking up or down stairs
- Sitting for extended periods
- Squatting
Most cases respond well to conservative treatment approaches like rest and applying ice. However, some patients need formal physical therapy to recover completely.
The condition affects the area where the kneecap (patella) connects with the thighbone (femur), which explains the medical name “patellofemoral.”
Signs You Might Have Kneecap Pain
Kneecap pain often feels like a dull ache at the front of your knee. This discomfort can get worse during certain activities.
Pain might increase when you:
- Walk up or down stairs
- Kneel down or squat
- Sit with bent knees for a long time
These symptoms typically affect the area around or behind the kneecap.
When You Should Contact a Doctor
Call your doctor if your knee pain doesn’t get better after a few days of rest. You should also seek medical help if you notice it’s becoming harder to bend or straighten your knee.
These signs might point to a more serious knee problem that needs proper treatment.
Causes
Patellofemoral pain syndrome develops from several factors. Overuse is a common trigger, especially in running and jumping activities that put stress on the knee joint, leading to irritation beneath the kneecap.
Muscle problems play a significant role. When the muscles around the hip and knee are weak or unbalanced, they can’t properly guide the kneecap’s movement. Research shows that when knees move inward during squatting exercises, patellofemoral pain often follows.
Physical trauma to the knee can lead to this condition. This includes situations where the kneecap dislocates or fractures.
Surgical procedures on the knee may increase risk for developing patellofemoral pain. This risk is particularly high after anterior cruciate ligament repairs that use the patient’s own patellar tendon for grafting.
Many patients have a combination of these factors rather than just one single cause.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of getting knee pain:
Age: This condition often affects teenagers and young adults. Older people usually have knee pain from arthritis instead.
Gender: Women face twice the risk compared to men. This may be because women typically have wider hip bones, which creates a greater angle where bones meet in the knee joint.
Athletic Activities: Sports involving running and jumping put more pressure on the knees. This is particularly true when you increase your training intensity or duration.
Preventing Knee Pain
You can take several steps to stop knee pain before it starts. Here are some helpful ways to keep your knees healthy:
Build Muscle Strength
- Strengthen leg and hip muscles to improve knee stability
- Avoid deep squats during weight training
- Focus on outer hip exercises to prevent knees from turning inward
Move with Proper Form
- Consider working with a physical therapist to learn correct movement techniques
- Practice proper form when jumping, running, and turning
- Pay attention to knee alignment during squats and when landing
Maintain Healthy Weight
- Extra pounds put additional stress on knee joints
- Weight loss can significantly reduce knee pressure
Prepare for Activity
- Start with 5 minutes of light activity before exercising
- Include gentle stretches to improve flexibility
- Increase workout intensity gradually, not suddenly
Choose Appropriate Footwear
- Wear shoes that fit well
- Select footwear designed for your specific activity
Following these prevention tips can help keep your knees healthy and pain-free during daily activities and exercise. Regular attention to these practices builds a foundation for long-term knee health.
