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Patellofemoral Pain Symptoms, Causes and More

Your kneecap and the area around it can be inflamed by patellofemoral pain syndrome (patella). Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral syndrome, is more common in athletes that participate in running and jumping activities. Once you suspect this condition, visit your pain physician immediately.

When you run, sit or walk up or down stairs for a long time, or squat, your knee discomfort is likely to get worse. Patellofemoral pain can be alleviated with rest and ice, but in certain cases, physical therapy is required.

The femur, tibia, and patella form the knee joint, which is a center joint. The fibula is not openly engaged in the knee joint, but because of numerous tendon and muscle attachments, it is a crucial bone in the knee's function. The tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints are formed by these bones. Patellofemoral discomfort is the most common running-related injury, accounting for up to 25% of all running injuries.

Pain in the patellofemoral joint (PFPS)

Patella is a bone that is not joined to any other bones in the normal way. Unlike most joints, the patella glides over the femur and relies solely on the leg muscles to administer its mobility. Like a pulley for our quadriceps muscle group it allows us to produce more force. It becomes increasingly important for the patella to operate properly as we put more strain on our legs. Running requires our lower body to take up as much as three times our own weight per step. In order to execute this activity, our bodies have to compensate for any lack of muscular cohesion or endurance that we may have. Patella inflammation and pain can occur when the knee muscles weary or weaken, making the patella vulnerable to high stresses.

Researchers have confirmed that patellofemoral discomfort is a key source of knee pain using sophisticated imaging to see how uneven movement of one's hip generates excessive contact between one's femur and patella. The human hip is the strongest joint in the body. The hip is a key component in nearly every high-intensity sport.

As a starting point, we can think about jumping as an example, as well as throwing, swinging, and kicking. Our hips are like the gas pedal in our cars when we engage in these activities. However, the hip plays a different role when it comes to long-distance running. The hip muscles are employed to stabilize our pelvis and knee by reducing the rotation and flexion of the femur. As a result, our knees would bend inward and our pelvis would sink with each step. Think of your hip muscles as your car's brakes in this regard.

Causes

Patellofemoral pain syndrome has been linked to a number of conditions, including:

  • Overuse - It is possible to develop kneecap irritation as a result of running or jumping sports because of the repetitive stress they place on the knee joint.

  • Muscle imbalances or deficiencies - You may get patellofemoral pain if your hip and knee joints don't maintain normal alignment. Patellofemoral discomfort has been linked to squatting with the knee flexed inward.

  • Injury - Dislocation or fracture of the kneecap has been associated to patellofemoral pain syndrome.

  • Surgery - Patellofemoral pain is more likely after knee surgery, especially if your own patellar tendon is used as a graft to replace the anterior cruciate ligament.

Call us at Oklahoma Pain Treatment for treating you if you the above-mentioned condition makes you suffer. Our pain physicians will assist you here.

**Disclaimer: These tips are not advised or suggested by doctors. The products that are promoted here are not FDA CERTIFIED to treat, cure or prevent any disease.