PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME (AKA PATELLOFEMORAL CHONDROMALACIA)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a group of conditions that cause pain around the
kneecap (patella) which is usually caused by softening of the kneecap cartilage,
or splitting of pieces of cartilage and bone in the kneecap. Alternatively malalignment
or maltracking of the patella can lead to patellofemoral pain. Pain often comes
on gradually which is characterized as aching in the front of the knee that is worse
with stairclimbing or with sitting for an extended period of time. Usually, there
may be mild swelling and a feeling of weakness in the knee. Another cause for patellofemoral
pain is form overuse such as training for a marathon. The diagnosis of patellofemoral
pain syndrome can be made by physical examination by a physician and sometimes confirmed
with an MRI.
Recommendations:
- Consult a physician if you think you have patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Weight control is important to decrease the amount of force across the knee cap
- Warm up and stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon
flexibility
- Develop stronger quadriceps and hamstrings help cushion the impact of jumping or
running on the knee
- Develop a Cross-training program to prevent repetitive impact on the knee cartilage
- Use Knee supports