Patellofemoral pain syndrome
| Patellofemoral pain syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Patellar overload syndrome, runner's knee, retropatellar pain syndrome |
| Diagram of the bones of the lower extremity. Rough distribution of areas affected by PFPS highlighted in red: patella and distal femur. | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics, sports medicine |
| Symptoms | Pain in the front of the knee |
| Usual onset | Gradual |
| Causes | Unclear |
| Risk factors | Trauma, increased training, weak quadriceps muscle |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Patellar tendinopathy, infrapatellar bursitis, infrapatellar fat pad syndrome, chondromalacia patellae |
| Treatment | Rest, physical therapy |
| Prognosis | May last for years |
| Frequency | Relatively common |
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS; not to be confused with jumper's knee) is knee pain as a result of problems between the kneecap and the femur. The pain is generally in the front of the knee and comes on gradually. Pain may worsen with sitting down with a bent knee for long periods of time, excessive use, or climbing and descending stairs.
While the exact cause is unclear, it is believed to be due to overuse. Risk factors include trauma, increased training, and a weak quadriceps muscle. It is particularly common among runners. The diagnosis is generally based on the symptoms and examination. If pushing the kneecap into the femur increases the pain, the diagnosis is more likely.
Treatment typically involves rest and rehabilitation with a physical therapist. Runners may need to switch to activities such as cycling or swimming. Insoles may help some people. Symptoms may last for years despite treatment. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common cause of knee pain, affecting more than 20% of young adults. It occurs about 2.5 times more often in females than males.