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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

(Runner’s Knee)

Definition

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain behind or around the kneecap. It is most common during impact activities, such as squatting, running, and climbing stairs.

The Kneecap.

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Causes

The pain is caused by swelling in the tissue around the kneecap. This is often from overuse or poor alignment of the kneecap.

Risk Factors

This health problem is more common in women and people under the age of 40. It is also more common in people who are active, such as endurance athletes.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Increasing activity levels too quickly
  • A change in running or activity surfaces
  • A problem or imbalance in the muscles that support the knee
  • Poor alignment of the kneecap
  • Focusing on a single sport, such as running

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain in the front of the knee. It often gets worse during impact activities. It may also happen during or after sitting too long.

The knee may also be swollen or make popping or grinding sounds.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the knee. This is enough to make the diagnosis. A specialist referral may be needed.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and promote movement. This may be done with:

  • Supportive care, such as resting the knee
  • Medicine to ease pain and swelling
  • A knee brace to limit the knee from moving
  • Crutches to keep weight off the knee
  • Shoe inserts to correct a knee that is not aligned the right way
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee

Surgery is rarely done to treat this problem. It may be used when other methods do not help.

Prevention

The risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome may be lowered by varying physical activities and slowly increasing how long and how often they are done.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Crossley KM, Stefanik JJ, et al. 2016 Patellofemoral pain consensus statement from the 4th International Patellofemoral Pain Research Retreat, Manchester. Part 1: Terminology, definitions, clinical examination, natural history, patellofemoral osteoarthritis and patient-reported outcome measures. Br J Sports Med. 2016 Jul;50(14):839-843.
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome.

Contributors

  • Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.