Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Condition

What is Patelloferomal Pain Syndrome?

Patelloferomal pain syndrome is a term that relates to pain around the patella and the front of the knee. This kneecap pain is more commonly referred to as jumper’s or runner’s knee due to its association with athletes. However, it is also a frequent ailment plaguing many non-athletes. Like many other knee conditions, this syndrome is typically caused by overuse, but can also be the result of a misaligned kneecap.

The syndrome involves damage to the bone and soft tissues in the kneecap area, including the pad of fat underneath the patella, the tendons, and the synovial tissue lining the knee joint. It can arise over time from gradual wear and tear or emerge suddenly as the result of a single event. In some instances, the syndrome can be accompanied by cartilage wear around the knee that can exacerbate pain.

According to some experts, patellofemoral syndrome is the single most commonly reported knee pain cause in the United States. Fortunately, non-invasive osteopathic treatment techniques have proven effective in mitigating pain, restoring function, and expediting patient healing.

What Causes this Condition?

There are several factors that can cause this syndrome, including:

• Repeated and vigorous physical activities, including those that involve jumping, running, squatting, and similar motions
• Improper exercise techniques
• Abnormal alignment of the patellar, caused by misalignments in the hips and ankle or muscular imbalances
• Physical injuries like fractures or dislocation that impact the kneecap
• Some knee surgeries can increase the risk of patellofemoral pain

In addition to those causal factors, there are factors that can increase your risk of experiencing the syndrome. Age appears to be a factor, with young adults and adolescents more prone to this type of pain. In addition, women are reportedly twice as likely as their male counterparts to experience this pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Patelloferomal Pain Syndrome?

While the most common symptom associated with the syndrome is a dull, aching pain on the front side of the knee, there are other common symptoms as well, including:

• Increased pain after sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Pain while walking, running, climbing, or kneeling
• Increased pain when walking on hard surfaces
• Crackling or popping sounds in the knee during certain activities
• Moderate swelling of the knee
• Progressive loss of strength in the thigh muscles if no treatment is sought

Because these symptoms can be confused with similar knee conditions, it is vital to obtain a proper diagnosis as early as possible.

How We Can Help

Osteopathic care can be an effective way to obtain relief from syndrome pain, restore lost function, and enjoy a speedier recovery. Leonid Tafler, D.O. can provide the care you need, with safe and non-invasive techniques like manual manipulation, osteopathic manipulation stretching exercises, exercise recommendations, and relevant educational resources.