About Patellofemeral Syndrome

Patellofemoral syndrome is a common knee problem involving pain around and behind the kneecap. It results from cartilage deterioration due to poor alignment of the kneecap. Commonly called runner's knee, the condition is associated with certain physical characteristics as well as types of activity.

Overuse

• Patellofemoral syndrome is most frequently associated with overuse of the knees from activity that involves pounding the legs on hard surfaces, like running, jumping and sports such as basketball.

Physical Characteristics

• The alignment of a person's hips, legs, knees or feet also can make him prone to patellofemoral syndrome. It is sometimes related to wide hips, underdeveloped thigh muscles, muscle tightness, muscle weakness and feet with arches that collapse when running or walking.

Pain Characteristics

• Pain usually is located behind the kneecap and sometimes under or around it. Once patellofemoral syndrome occurs, the pain is common when walking up or down stairs, squatting or sitting with the knee bent for an hour or two.

Additional Symptoms

• Additionally, the knee affected by patellofemoral syndrome may swell and make sounds during movement, such as grinding, popping or snapping.

Treatment

• Treatment begins with avoiding the type of activity which caused the problem. Physical therapy exercises can help, as can icing the knee after activity, taping the knee, using shoe insoles and wearing proper walking or running shoes. The knee may take weeks or months to fully recover.