Patellofemoral Syndrome

One of the more common knee diagnoses seen in the clinic is patellofemoral syndrome which is also known as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee. The patella (kneecap) is the small bone located on the front of the knee joint. The four quadriceps muscles share a common tendon known as the quadriceps tendon which attaches to the top of the patella and at the base of the patella is the patellar ligament which attaches to the tibia (shin bone). The underside of the patella and distal end of the femur are covered in cartilage to allow for smooth motion. The patella will glide up and down a groove on the end of the femur called the trochlear groove with bending and straightening of the knee. It’s also interesting to note the patella will tilt and rotate with normal movements too, but it’s such a small amount of motion that it’s hard to see.

Patellofemoral syndrome is more common in teens and young adults, women are twice as likely to develop, and participating in running and jumping sports. The most common symptom people experience is a dull, achy pain on the front of the knee. Other common symptoms include: pain with exercise or activities with lots of knee bending including running, jumping, squatting, kneeling, or stairs; pain on front of knee with prolonged sitting like at a movie or flying; popping or cracking in your knee with stair climbing or when standing after sitting for a long time; and pain with change in activity level/intensity, playing surfaces, or equipment.

The cause of patellofemoral syndrome isn’t completely known, but it’s been associated with a few things. The most common being an overuse injury which causes irritation underneath the patella and impaired tracking of the patella due to muscle imbalances or weakness usually of the lateral hip musculature. The pain can also be due to direct trauma including dislocation or fracture or following surgery, most commonly an ACL reconstruction that uses a patellar tendon graft.

Physical therapy is very effective in treating patellofemoral syndrome. PT will work with the patient to try to identify the underlying cause(s), address any muscle weakness, provide a thorough HEP, perform hands-on treatment as needed, and provide guidance on safe return to activity.

If you are interested in learning more or about treatment options, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email connectptnd@gmail.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Connect Physical Therapy.

- Alison Fuhrman, PT, DPT, CMPT, OCS