Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

Joe Simko P.T.

Fit For Life Physical Therapy

Knee pain is among the most common complaints from runners and walkers, and an injury to the front of the knee called “Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome” (PFPS) accounts for almost half of all running related injuries.  In fact, sometimes we refer to this injury as “Runner’s Knee.”   Fortunately, this injury can be managed with physical therapy and some modification of activity but does not require considerable time away from running.

Typically, PFPS is described as pain that occurs in the front of the knee and can increase when going up or down stairs.  The pain is most notable with sitting for extended periods of time, such as in a car, and gets worse with long or hilly runs.  There is typically not a specific injury that causes the pain initially, and rarely is there any swelling noted.  The pain and irritation seem to develop and progress slowly during a period of time. 

The cause of this type of pain is due to an irritation and wearing down of the cartilage below the surface of the kneecap (patella) that worsens over time.  This can happen due to an imbalance of muscles in the thigh (quadriceps) and hip musculature.  These muscles are the shock absorbers that reduce impact forces on the knee during running & walking and prevent the patella from taking all the force with each stride.  When these muscles fatigue, the patella begins to take the impact, and the cartilage can become irritated, causing pain with running, walking, and other daily activity.

To solve the problem, it is important to identify and address the areas of imbalance, and that is where Fit For Life Physical Therapy can help. Our sports medicine physical therapists can do a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation to determine which of the muscles in the hip and quadricep mechanism are weak or tight, and then develop an individualized program to address these areas of concern.  Typically, stretching the hamstrings and Achilles’ tendon and strengthening the quadriceps, hip flexors, and hip abductors in a pain free and functional range of motion will reduce this pain within a few weeks.  Temporarily avoiding activity that increases the irritation on the patella such as deep lunges, deep squats, the leg extension weight machine, and plyometric jumps will also help to speed up the recovery from this injury.

Please feel free to contact us at Fit For Life Physical Therapy if you have any questions regarding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or if you would like to schedule an evaluation to determine the cause of your knee pain.

Please visit our website https://www.fitforlifephysicaltherapy.com/, email us at info@fitforlifephysicaltherapy.com, or call or text us at any of the phone numbers for our three convenient locations inside Fleet Feet stores:

Polaris:  1270 East Powell Road Lewis Center, Ohio 43035 ~ 614-981-2065

Upper Arlington:  1344 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221 ~ 614-981-1979

New Albany:  5792 North Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230 ~ 614-581-7441