Physiotherapy for Patellofemoral Syndrome. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is broad term to describe pain in the front of the knee, around the knee cap or patella that Physiotherapists deal with.
Runners knee or jumpers knees are other common names for this condition as it commonly occurs in those who participate in these sports. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/
What are the causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome?
– Overuse and thus repetitive loading and stress to the knee (common in runners)
– A recent change in the frequency, duration and intensity of physical activity, for example increasing the number of days and/ or the length of time spent doing the activity.
– Certain external factors can affect the onset, these being: surfaces and terrain of where the exercise is preformed and the different types of shoes or a recent change in shoe/ equipment.
– Anatomical and bio-mechanical weakness or abnormalities https://www.physio-pedia.com/Patellofemoral_Pain_Syndrome
– Direct trauma to the knee can also cause the onset of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
– Muscle imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstrings
– Orientation of the patella/ alignment can also affect the onset of the syndrome. This can cause gliding to one favorable side of the femur, thus placing pressure on this side of the femur. Consequently this will result in pain and discomfort.
What are the signs and symptoms?
– Pain during weight bearing activities (such as climbing the stairs, squats or running)
– Pain after sitting for long periods of time with the knee bent
– A dull and achy pain in the front of the knee (made worse by sitting for longer periods of time)
– Pain and stiffness around the knee
– Clicking or cracking sounds when climbing the stairs or standing up after sitting for longer periods of time
– Gradual onset of pain behind the knee cap
– Increased pain levels might be reported the day after exercise
How Physiotherapy can help with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:
Your physiotherapist will be able to provide a comprehensive assessment of the onset of symptoms of your pain as well as a objective examination of the knee and your biomechanics to determine the source cause of your pain.
Some of the treatments which our physiotherapists at Sunninghill and Sandton will make use of are https://www.laraphysio.com/about/#Services%20Offeredhttps://www.laraphysio.com/about/#Services%20Offered:
– Manual therapy and pain treatment
– Bio-mechanic correction
– Advice on correct loading, exercise duration, exercise frequency and exercise intensity
– Specific exercises. These start with eccentric and progress to isometric and concentric.
– Strapping and laser therapies are additional supportive methods we use if indicated for
– Advice on correct shoe wear or referral to a podiatrist
Differential diagnosis for patellofemoral pain syndrome:
There are various other knee conditions that can present with similar signs and symptoms (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2588869/)
– Patellar tendinopathy
– Chondromalacia Patellae
– Fat pad impingemet
– Osteoarthritis
– Knee instability
We at Lara Brookstein Physiotherapy are trained and able to diagnose and manage conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Feel free to contact us to find out more and if Physiotherapy will be effective for the management of your pain. http://www.laraphysio.com / 0735052961