What is Patellofemoral Injuries?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the pain in front of the knee. It is also known as “runner’s knee”. It is a generic term that is used to describe pain in the front portion of the knee. It frequently occurs in teenagers, manual laborers, and athletes. It is sometimes caused by wearing down, roughening, or softening of the cartilage under the kneecap.
Causes
Patellofemoral pain syndrome may be caused by overuse, injury, excess weight, skipping, stretching, a kneecap that is not properly aligned or changes under the kneecap.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Patellofemoral pain syndrome keep increasing over a period of time. The main symptom of Patellofemoral pain syndrome is knee pain, especially when sitting with bent knees, squatting, jumping, or using the stairs. You may also experience occasional knee buckling, in which the knee suddenly and unexpectedly gives way and does not support your body weight. A catching, popping, or grinding sensation when walking or with knee movement is also common.
Treatment
Patellofemoral pain syndrome can be relieved by avoiding activities that make symptoms worse. Avoid sitting or kneeling in the bent-knee position for a long time, avoid bent-knee exercises such as squats, deep knee bends, or 90-degree leg extensions.
Medications
To minimize pain, medications like NSAID’s are prescribed in the event of severe pain.
Physical Therapy
The best treatment to follow is Physical Therapy exercises. At our Optimum Rehab offices in New York City our therapists will give you a guidance on what exercises to follow to reduce and manage pain. Exercises may include stretching to increase flexibility and decrease tightness around the knee, and straight-leg raises and other exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscle. Taping or using a brace to stabilize the kneecap will also be suggested by the therapist.