Patellofemoral Syndrome
Knoxville’s Best Choice for Patellofemoral Syndrome Treatment in Eastern Tennessee
Our Specialty
Patellofemoral Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain at the front of the knee around the kneecap, or patella. Sometimes it is also referred to as “runner’s knee”, it’s more common in people who participate in sports that involve running and jumping.
Some factors that may increase your risk include:
- Age
- Sex
- Certain sports
PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME SYMPTOMS
This syndrome usually causes a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee. The pain can increase or be irritated when:
- You walk up or down stairs
- You kneel or squat
- You sit with a bent knee for long periods
PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME CAUSES
There is no certainty as to what causes this syndrome, but it has been highly associated with:
- Overuse – Running or jumping sports puts repetitive stress on the knee joint, which can irritate the knee cap
- Muscle imbalance or weakness – Pain can occur when the muscles around the hip and knee don’t keep the kneecap properly aligned
- Injury – Trauma to the kneecap has been linked to patellofemoral pain syndrome
-
- Surgery – Knee surgery can increase the risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome
PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME TREATMENT
Treatment often starts with rest; avoid or modify activities that irritate the knee, such as climbing stairs, kneeling, or squatting.
Some other treatments include:
- Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling
- A physical therapist might suggest rehab exercises, supportive braces, taping, ice, and knee-friendly sports such as bicycling and swimming.
- Surgery
Our Knee Surgeons
Recent Articles
Knee Fracture Treatment in East Tennessee
Expert Knee Fracture Care at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance A knee fracture is a serious injury that can affect your ability to walk, bend your knee, and perform everyday activities. Because the...
ACL Surgery: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
If you've scheduled ACL reconstruction surgery, it's natural to have questions about what will happen on the day of your procedure. Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared and...
The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovering from ACL Injuries
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can be frustrating for athletes, active adults, and anyone who depends on strong knee stability for daily movement. Whether an ACL tear is treated with...
Knee Meniscus and ACL Surgery: What You Need to Know
A knee injury can make even simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or exercising difficult. Two of the most common knee injuries involve the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the...