What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition characterised by pain around or behind the kneecap (patella). It affects a wide range of individuals and is one of the most frequent causes of knee pain in the general population. PFPS accounts for 25-40% of all knee problems seen in physiotherapy clinics.
What is the Patellofemoral Joint?
The patellofemoral joint is where the kneecap (patella) meets the thigh bone (femur) at the front of the knee. This joint allows the kneecap to glide smoothly up and down in a groove called the trochlea as the knee bends and straightens. The patellofemoral joint is crucial for knee function, enabling movements like walking, running, and climbing stairs. Patellofemoral pain syndrome can therefore reduce tolerance of these activities significantly.
Common symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
The hallmark of PFPS is a dull, aching pain at the front of the knee. This discomfort often:
- Develops gradually
- Worsens with knee-bending activities like squatting, lunging, or climbing stairs
- Intensifies after prolonged sitting (often termed ‘cinema goers knee’)
- Is common in distance runners (PFPS is also known as ‘runners knee’)
- May be accompanied by clicking or popping sounds
What causes Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
PFPS is considered a multifactorial condition, with several potential contributing factors:
- Overuse and overload: This is often the most significant factor. Sudden increases in physical activity or repetitive stress on the knee joint can lead to PFPS.
- Biomechanical issues:
- Malalignment of the lower extremity or patella
- Muscular imbalances, particularly weakness in hip abductors or quadriceps
- Abnormal tracking of the kneecap in the trochlear groove
- Anatomical factors:
- Leg length discrepancies
- Abnormal foot morphology
- Angular or rotational deformities
- Trochlea morphologies
- Muscular Tightness: Tightness in the iliotibial band, hamstrings, or gastrocnemius can contribute to PFPS.
- Trauma: Direct or indirect injuries to the patellar area can damage structures leading to PFPS.
- Foot Mechanics: Both overpronation (pes planus) and oversupination (pes cavus) can affect knee mechanics and contribute to PFPS.
It’s important to note that patellofemoral pain syndrome is rarely caused by a single factor but is more often the result of a combination of these issues. Understanding the multifactorial nature of PFPS is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Can physiotherapy help PFPS?
Diagnosing patellofemoral pain syndrome involves a combination of clinical tests and ruling out other knee conditions. We will assess your symptoms, examine your knee function, and may recreate the pain through specific movements.
PFPS is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on patient history and physical examination. Imaging is usually not necessary unless other conditions are suspected. If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain, don’t suffer in silence. Our experienced team at The Physios is here to help you understand your symptoms, develop a tailored treatment plan, and guide you back to pain-free movement.
You can find out more about the best treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome here.
If you have any questions regarding this or any other injury book an appointment here. For any further information please call us on 0114 267 8181 or email [email protected]
