What part of the body does patellofemoral syndrome affect?
Overview. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee disorder, which often affects the senior athlete and those involved in running and jumping sports.
What structures are involved in patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Although each ligament has its own responsibility in supporting and protecting the knee, ligaments also provide assistive support to other ligaments. But the two ligaments that are most associated with PFPS are the two collateral ligaments (lateral and medial), because they are merged with knee capsule.
What muscles are weak in patellofemoral syndrome?
Recent studies have shown that PFPS does not appear in the knee joint, but rather in the decreased amplitude of internal rotation of the femur, due to weakness of the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus muscles).
Is walking good for patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Can I walk with patellofemoral pain syndrome? Yes, but less in the early stages of recovery, and it may make sense to avoid altogether for a while. Walking on stairs/hills should be treated as a much more significant source of knee stress than flat walking.
How do you test for patellofemoral syndrome?
The examiner places the web space of his hand just superior to the patella while applying pressure. The patient is instructed to gently and gradually contract the quadriceps muscle. A positive sign on this test is pain in the patellofemoral joint .
What is patellofemoral syndrome and what are its causes?
Patellofemoral syndrome. Also known as runner’s knee,patellofemoral syndrome is a condition resulting from a malfunction of the internal structures of the knee and femur.
Is there a way to fix patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Physical therapy is a mainstay for treatment and can alleviate patellofemoral pain by strengthening the quadriceps femoris complex, most often the vastus medialis, as well as stretching the lateral patellar retinaculum. This can help with maltracking and the range of motion of the joint.
Does patellofemoral syndrome require surgery?
Typically, surgery is not required for patellofemoral pain syndrome, as there is no specific structural damage that is causing your pain. If other signs and symptoms exist such as direct trauma to the knee or persistent patellar dislocations, a referral for surgical consultation may be indicated. What can I not do with patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Can patellofemoral syndrome be cured?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a problem with pain that feels like it is mainly on the front of the knee, specifically on the underside of or somewhere around the edges of the kneecap. In average cases, the pain is not severe and the problem often goes away with basic physical therapy.