Knee Pain Sans Injury: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Many athletes will suffer from some form of knee pain even without having experienced an injury. Frustratingly enough, just light wear of the cartilage under the kneecap can cause discomfort and hinder an athlete’s performance and training. The most common cause of knee pain in athletes who haven’t experienced an injury is patellofemoral pain syndrome, or runner’s knee.

Is Patellofemoral Syndrome Causing Your Knee Pain?

Patellofemoral syndrome is different than arthritis of the patella, caused by long term wear. Those suffering from patellofemoral syndrome will often experience the following symptoms:

• Knee pain – especially when sitting for long periods of time, climbing or descending stairs, jumping and engaging in other activities that cause you to quickly bend and straighten your knees.

• Some sufferers may have instances where their knees give out and momentarily fail to support their body weight.

• Pops or grinding sounds emanating from the knee during activity.

Relief From Patellofemoral Syndrome

Treatment of patellofemoral syndrome is often crucial for an athlete to return to their maximum ability. Most cases can be relieved with physical therapy and strength training. If the pain is caused by muscle imbalance, specified muscle-building techniques are usually employed to correct the imbalance. Stretching the large muscles In front of the thigh can also help relieve excessive pressure in the patellofemoral joint, which contributes to this type of pain. Additionally, those suffering from patellofemoral syndrome are encouraged to give their knees a break. If a daily activity results in a lot of pain, find simple ways to make it less severe on your knees. For instance, use a supportive brace when running to lessen the impact.

Call Dr. Matthew T. Boes orthopaedic surgeon today and schedule an appointment.