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Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a dull aching type of pain at the front of the knee, around the kneecap (patella). It is also known as ‘runner’s knee’ and is more common in people who participate in sports involving running and jumping.
This anterior knee pain often increases when running, walking up or down stairs, sitting for long periods, or squatting. The pain can be improved by rest and ice but if it is persistent, further investigation and physio might be necessary.
The main causes are overuse, muscle imbalance, trauma or surgery. Running or jumping sports put repetitive stress on the knee joint and an imbalance of the muscles can add to this problem by causing abnormal stresses on the knee cap. Trauma to the kneecap and knee surgery increase the risk of patellofemoral pain.
This syndrome causes a dull ache at the front of the knee, made worse by walking up and down the stairs, squatting and sitting with a bent knee for long periods of time.
Factors that can increase risk include age, sex and the type of sports played. Young adults and teenagers are most typically affected, with women twice as likely as men to develop the syndrome. Taking part in running and jumping sports puts extra stress on the knees, often when the training level is suddenly increased such as at the beginning of a new sports season.
The best way of preventing this happening is by maintaining strength in the quadriceps and hip abductor muscles to keep the knee balanced. Deep squats should be avoided. It is important to use good technique when you exercise so the patellar tendon follows the groove of the knee cap.
Our physiotherapists can prescribe specific muscle strengthening exercises to optimise running technique. They will also encourage you to warm up properly and stretch well before exercise. They might teach you taping support.
Orthotics can help if your feet overpronate or you have ‘flat feet’. We use PHITS orthotics which are custom made and will fit in most shoes. It is important to wear well- fitting shoes with good shock absorption.
In stubborn cases our physios can refer you to the MSK doctor team who may consider an MRI scan. If appropriate, a set of Prolotherapy injections may help realign the patella, depending upon the findings from the MRI.
For mild cases, rest and ice can help reduce inflammation and our physiotherapists will prescribe specific strengthening exercises and PHITS orthotics if necessary. They may be teach patients how to tape the knee if playing sport and advise them to cut down on training until the pain settles.
Following treatment at Blackberry Clinic, Milton Keynes my back pain improved and I could play for my country again
After a course of Prolotherapy my back pain has gone and I live a normal life. I can’t thank Dr Petrides enough for giving me back my quality of life
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Lorena has changed my life. Four months ago, having been diagnosed as having “severe, acute and chronic” disc degeneration I genuinely thought I was facing a life of disability (I am 49).
Lorena has re-taught me how to move my body and how to think about what muscles I engage to a point that I am now running, swimming and doing pilates again and have almost full flexibility in my spine. It almost feels like Lorena can see through your skin to your muscles, so profound is her understanding of how the body moves.
Just wanted to say please pass my thanks to my osteopath, I came yesterday with terrible back and shoulder pain and today I am pain free, am well delighted as had a day planned with friends was worried I wouldn’t enjoy, please pass my thanks onto her.
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