Patellofemoral Pain
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome & Knee Pain
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a term used to describe pain originating from the region of the patella (kneecap) and femur (thigh bone). It is a common knee problem. Other names for this syndrome include: retro patellar pain, anterior knee pain, and chondromalacia patellae. None of these terms accurately describe the cause of this pain, which remains elusive and poorly understood.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain primarily in the front of the knee
- The pain may be present in only one knee or in both knees.
- Pain with stair climbing and especially going down the stairs.
- Pain with prolonged sitting.
- The pain is usually exacerbated by squatting and kneeling.
- The pain may be associated with a cracking.
- It is generally an aching pain, but can become sharp in nature and even be associated with a burning sensation.
- The knee may feel unstable or giving way.
Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Ice packs may be helpful when the pain is in an acute phase or a hot pack when the symptoms are less acute. These modalities should not be applied for longer than 10-minutes. The footwear may need to be evaluated and modified. Anti-pronation insoles can help in some cases. Soft braces with patellar cutouts may provide modest symptomatic relief in selected cases.
- Cryotherapy / Hot packs
- Ultrasound / Interferential therapy / Functional electrical stimulation
- Myotherapy
- Myofascial Release/Trigger point Therapy
- Patellar Mobilization
- McConnell’s taping
- Strengthening Exercise
- Stretching Exercises ( IT BAND Stretching)
- Home Exercises
- Orthotics