What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is commonly called runner鈥檚 knee. PFPS causes pain in the front of your knee and around your kneecap (patella). Patellofemoral pain syndrome is common in people who do sports or exercise that involve running or jumping, but PFPS can affect anyone regardless of athletic ability.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Causes
There are many causes for patellofemoral pain syndrome:
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Overuse
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Injury or trauma
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Weak hip and thigh muscles
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Misaligned kneecap
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Poor foot support
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Walking or running with your feet rolling inward
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Symptoms
Patellofemoral pain syndrome can make it difficult to do everyday activities like going up or down stairs. There are a few common symptoms of PFPS:
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Pain in and around your kneecap
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Pain with running, jumping, or when walking up or downhill
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Pain after sitting for long periods of time with your knees bent
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Rubbing, grinding, or clicking sounds when you bend and straighten your knee
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Tenderness around the kneecap
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Diagnosis
If you think you have PFPS, talk to your health care provider. They will discuss your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Your provider will consider other causes of knee pain, such as a tendon injury, osteoarthritis, or joint instability. An X-ray or MRI may be used to rule out these other problems.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatments
Most cases of PFPS get better with resting from certain activities, along with doing other exercises to strengthen the knee.
Treatment depends on your symptoms and individual goals. Your provider may suggest a variety of treatment options:
- Exercise modifications
- Physical therapy
- Taping or compression wraps
- Medications to reduce inflammation, like ibuprofen
- Shoe inserts
- Cold packs
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Exercises
Exercises can help increase strength in your knee. Your health care provider may recommend physical therapy to help get you back to doing the activities and exercise you love.
How to Prevent Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Small changes can help prevent PFPS:
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Strengthen your hip and thigh muscles.
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Be consistent with your exercise, especially if doing higher impact activities like running and jumping.
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Introduce new activity or higher intensity of your exercise slowly.
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Wear supportive shoes.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Warm up before working out.
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Recovery Time
PFPS can last anywhere from weeks to months. Your recovery time depends on the severity of your case and how you respond to the treatment plan. Don鈥檛 push yourself to get back to full activity too quickly. Try low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling.
Why Choose U of U Health?
At U of U Health, you'll find orthopedic specialists and physical therapists who are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions like PFPS. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach, which means your care plan is tailored to your specific needs, often combining advanced diagnostics, specialized physical therapy, and the latest non-surgical and surgical treatment options. We focus on helping you return to the activities you love as quickly and safely as possible to prevent future recurrences.
What to Expect at Your Orthopedic Appointment
We provide expert care and orthopedic evaluations for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing problems of the bones and joints. Our orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat everything from simple sprains and strains to complex conditions.
