Patellofemerol Pain Syndrome

Pain at the front, around or at the back of the kneecap.

Cause

Usually caused by either a muscular imbalance of the muscles which control the knee cap or a biomechanical abnormality of the foot which causes the knee cap (patella) to track out of the groove on the femur (femerol condyle) and cause irritation, pain and swelling.

You may have pain when you walk, run or when sitting however, Pain is usually worse going up and down hills, stairs and after long periods of sitting.

Treatment

It is important not to do any sports or activities which involves
excessive bending of the knees, for example;

• Squats
• Hill walking
• Running on hill
• Breast stroke in swimming

Initial treatment involves rest from activity, icing, anti inflammatory medication and a knee support.

As the condition improves, strengthening exercises for the vastus medialis (one of the quadricep muscles) muscle should commence. Stretching excercises for the calf, and hamstring muscles and iliotibial band may also be necessary.

A thorough Gait Analysis and Biomechanical Assessment is necessary as excessive rolling in of the feet (over pronation) can cause mal-alignment of the knee cap too.

If excessive pronation is highlighted in the assessment, Prescription Foot Orthotics can be manufactured to correct the alignment of the feet and knees.

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