Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or anterior knee pain is a common complaint seen here in the BeFit clinic. It usually presents as a sharp pain felt under the knee cap and is aggravated by movements or positions that stress or compress the joint between the femur (thigh bone) and patella (knee cap) such as climbing stairs, running, or kneeling.

Often, this issue stems from a sudden overload of the patellofemoral joint. A good example of this is the spur of the moment decision to enter into a marathon a month before the date and then doing lots of running in a short period of time to try to prepare for the race. Although this is common, it doesn’t have to be that extreme – it could be as simple as doing a lot more walking than usual on a recent trip – or picking up a new exercise routine.

There are many factors that can play a role in the development of PFPS, which is why it is important to get a thorough assessment with a physiotherapist. Factors such as hip range of movement, hip strength and control, knee strength, ankle range of movement and strength and foot posture can all play a role in the development of PFPS and therefore need to be addressed when planning your rehabilitation.

Treatment for PFPS can include manual therapy and dry needling, stretching and mobility work, with a focus on strengthening exercises to address any deficits identified in your assessments. If you are experiencing anterior knee pain, book in for a session at the BeFit clinic for an assessment and treatment plan.