Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the technical name for kneecap related pain, which is usually felt as pain at the front of the knee. Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the structures around the kneecap get overloaded and irritated. It may be caused by irritation of the rear surface of the knee cap itself, or compression of the fat pad or bursa that are near the knee cap. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is different from patella tendinopathy (which is irritation of the patella tendon), although the location of pain is very similar in the two conditions.

Pain from patellofemoral pain syndrome is usually felt when the kneecap and surrounding structures are  under load, such as when squatting, running, jumping, getting up from sitting or whilst doing stairs. The pain is usually immediate and typically settles once the aggravating activity is stopped. 

Treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome involves unloading the irritated structures and eliminating the cause of the overload. This may involve altering your biomechanics to make sure you are loading your knee well (not overloading certain areas or moving in a way that causes abnormal forces through the kneecap), strength exercises to help your muscles properly support and control your kneecap, taping to help unload the kneecap and surrounding structures, and stretches or massage to help with muscles that might be too tight or tense. Proper treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome also requires accurate diagnosis to differentiate It from other conditions that present similarly, such as patella tendinopathy, Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease and pre-patella bursitis to name a few.

If you are experiencing pain in the front of your knee then our experienced physiotherapists can assist you with an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan to get you back doing the things you love!