What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common condition that causes pain below or around the kneecap. The pain is usually worse while performing high impact activities and sometimes while sitting with the knees bent. It can be caused by a variety of issues such as weak quadriceps, flat feet, and inflexible muscles. Treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome focuses on correcting these problems to reduce the stress on the knee. The patient will often be advised to stay away from any activities that cause pain until the underlying problem has been resolved.

The primary symptom of patellofemoral pain syndrome is discomfort at the front of the knee. Sometimes the pain is directly beneath the kneecap, but it can also occur around the edges. The discomfort is often increased during activities that put stress through the knee, such as walking up or down stairs or running. Some people with patellofemoral pain syndrome find that sitting for long periods with the knees bent causes an aching sensation. This is why the condition is sometimes referred to as “moviegoers” knee.

There are a number of potential causes for PFPS which is why it can be a difficult condition to address. It is thought that weakness of the quadriceps muscles is one of the most common causes, however, because the four muscles at the front of the thigh help to support the kneecap. If these muscles are weak, especially the quadriceps on the inside of the thigh, the kneecap may not track correctly in its groove.

There are other potential causes of PFPS. Among them include flat feet, which results in extra rotational stress on the knee joint, and inflexible muscles surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and even the hip flexors. There is some evidence to suggest that weak hip muscles, especially the external rotators, can also lead to patellofemoral pain syndrome in some patients.

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome varies among patients. This is why obtaining a professional diagnosis and treatment plan is often required for successful management of the condition. It’s also important for the patient to stop any activities that cause pain during rehabilitation to prevent damage to the knee.

Some of the most common treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome include strengthening weak muscles and following a consistent stretching program. If flat feet are causing the problem, orthotic inserts may be recommended. Other treatments can include taping the kneecap to improve tracking and taking anti-inflammatory medication.