Winnie Wong discusses Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) which is a very common yet complicated condition. PFPS is a condition describing the joint between the patella (knee cap) and the femur (thigh bone) being overworked and becoming sensitive overtime. There are a lot of structures around the knee which may contribute to the pain and therefore it can be tricky to treat.
POTENTIAL CAUSES OF PFPS:
Some of the causes may include:
- Overload of the patellofemoral joint
- Muscle weakness or imbalance in the quadriceps or glutes
- Patella malalignment or tracking
- Anatomical abnormalities
- Tightness in the hamstrings, glutes, gastrocnemius or ITB
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PFPS:
- Anterior knee pain
- Pain with prolonged sitting, going up or down stairs, kneeling or squatting
- Swelling in the knee
- Stiffness in the knee
WHAT PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN DO:
- Muscle Strengthening
- Releasing tight structures
- Gait retraining
- Taping
- Activity modification
