Definition:
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common knee problem. If someone experiences this condition, you feel pain under
and around your kneecap. The pain could get worse when you're active or when you sit for a long time. The pain
could be in one or both knees.
Diagnosis:
The actual reason for the syndrome is unknown, but the medical field believes the culprit is the way the kneecap
moves on your thigh bone. The syndrome could affect one or both of the knees, and is linked to over-or under-use
of the knees.
Treatment:
Usually putting ice on your knee, changing your activities and following a physical therapy program works best.
This kind of program may include exercises to make your muscles stronger and more flexible.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome are generally a vague discomfort of the inner knee area, aggravated
by activity (running, jumping, climbing or descending stairs) or by prolonged sitting with knees in a moderately
bent position (the so called "theater sign" of pain upon arising from a desk or theater seat).
Causes:
The patella (kneecap) is normally pulled over the end of the femur in a straight line by the quadriceps (thigh)
muscle. Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome frequently have abnormal patellar "tracking" toward the
lateral (outer) side of the femur.
