Patellofemoral pain syndrome is used to describe the pain that occurs around the patella or kneecap and also in front of the knee. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is also known as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee and this is because it is common among athletes and individuals who participate in running, basketball and other sports.
However, patellofemoral pain syndrome can also affect non-athletes and is often observed in adolescents, youths, manual workers and the elderly. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it was reported that patellofemoral pain is the most common cause of knee pain in the population. Patellofemoral pain syndrome can occur as a result of excessive use of the knee joints, physical trauma, or misalignment of the kneecap.
What are the Causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
There are so many things that have been found to cause Patellofemoral pain syndrome and some of them are listed below:
1. Excessive use. Recurrent bending of the knee or performing very stressful exercises such as lunges and plyometrics (training that uses the way your muscles lengthen and shorten to boost their power) can irritate the tissues which are found in and around the kneecap.
2. A direct blow to the knee, such as from a fall.
3. Your bones are not aligned (doctors refer to this as malalignment). In the event that one of the bones of the hips to the ankle is out of their normal position, including the kneecap, this may exert additional pressure on certain spots. This can make the kneecap to be unable to move smoothly through its groove, which can result in pain.
4. Problems with feet, such as hypermobile feet (when the joints in and around them move more than they should), fallen arches (flat feet) or overpronation (which means that the foot rolls down and inward when you sleep). This usually affects the way an individual walk and it can result in knee pain.
5. Weak or unbalanced thigh muscles. The quadriceps, the big muscles that are situated in the front of the thigh, helps to keep the kneecap in place when the joint is bent or stretched. If they are weak or tight, the kneecap may be unable to stay in the normal spot.
6. Chondromalacia patella. This is a condition in which the cartilage under the patella breaks down.
Below are some common risk factors for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:
1. Age: Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of Patellofemoral Syndrome, although it may affect older adults.
2. Gender: it has been found that Patellofemoral Syndrome is common in women than men, probably due to increased risk of muscle imbalance and wider angle of the female pelvis.
3. High Impact Activities: Participating in high-impact activities or weight-bearing activities, such as running, jumping or squatting, causes recurring stress on the joints and increases the risk of knee injuries.
4. Flat feet: Individuals with flat feet are more likely to develop patellofemoral syndrome because they exert extra pressure on their knee joints.
What are the Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Pain is the main symptoms of the patellofemoral syndrome. Affected individual can notice the following:
• There will be pain in front of the kneecap, though it may be around or behind it.
• Pain can be felt when bending your knees to walk, squat, kneel, run, or even stand up from the chair.
• The pain worsens when you walk downstairs or downhill.
There can be swelling in the area around the knee or there can be a popping sound or have a grinding sensation in the knee.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your knee to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
