

Physical therapy: Your physical therapist will prepare and instruct you on an exercise program to improve flexibility and strength of the thigh muscles. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce pain. Non-surgical treatment consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) all assist in controlling pain and swelling. The first treatment step is to avoid activities such as running or jumping that causes knee pain. Treatment depends on the particular cause of the pain and the initial treatment is usually non-surgical. Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, and blood tests may be ordered to rule out damage to the structure of the knee and the tissues attached to it. Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your knee. To diagnose patellofemoral pain your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, sports participation, and activities that aggravate your knee pain. The most common symptom of patellofemoral pain syndrome is a dull aching pain underneath the kneecap especially when walking up or down stairs, squatting, kneeling down, and sitting with your knees bent for long period of time.

Pain in the knee may be referred from other parts of the body, such as the back or hip. Patellofemoral pain often comes from strained tendons and irritation or softening of the cartilage that lines the underside of the kneecap.

Patellofemoral pain may occur from poor alignment of the kneecap, complete or partial dislocation, overuse, tight or weak thigh muscles, flat feet, or direct trauma to the knee. It is a sesamoid bone embedded in a tendon that connects the muscles of the thigh to the shin bone (tibia).The function of the patella is to protect the front part of the knee.Īs the name suggests, runner’s knee is a common complaint among runners, jumpers, and other athletes such as skiers, cyclists, and soccer players Causes The patella, also called kneecap, is a small flat triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also called runner’s knee, refers to pain in the front of the knee, around the patella.
