alleyiop.blogg.se - Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Appropriate warm-up prior to beginning an activity.Females are affected more than men as wider hips increase stress on the kneecapĪlthough it may not always be possible to prevent patellofemoral pain syndrome, there are some measures you can take to decrease your risk.Injury or trauma to the kneecap can lead to recurring episodes of instability.Increasing the intensity of a physical activity too quickly.Weak thigh muscles can lead to abnormal tracking of the patella, causing it to rub against the femur, producing pain in the kneecap.Īnyone can develop patellofemoral pain at any point in their lives however there are certain risk factors that may predispose you to developing patellofemoral pain. Weak quadriceps muscles: Quadriceps, the anterior thigh muscles, function to help hold the kneecap in place during movement.Anatomical defect: Flat feet and high arches can cause misalignment of the knee joint.Constant jumping, twisting and landing can result in pain for dancers. Overuse/overload injury: Repeated weight bearing impact sports such as dance, soccer and running can cause PFPS.

In PFPS patients, the patella rubs against the femur causing pain.Ī combination of factors can cause this abnormal tracking and include the following: The patella normally moves up and down with a slight tilt without touching the other knee bones. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is caused by a multitude of factors that affect the way the patella moves along the groove of the femur (trochlear groove) when the leg is bent or straightened. Swelling around the knee can occur but is rare.A grinding sensation can be felt or heard when the knee is extended.A sensation that the knee may “give out” is often reported.

Pain is usually described as “aching” but can also be “sharp” or “burning” pain.

Pain can worsen with activity and also occur with long bouts of inactivity.

Increased pain with kneeling and squatting.

Increased pain when walking up stairs and especially with walking down stairs.

Pain in front of the knee, under and around the knee cap.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also referred to as PFPS, is one of the most commonly reported knee problems, accounting for one in four knee complaints seen by orthopedists.