Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment in South Carolina

What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Pain around the kneecap in the front of the knee is called patellofemoral pain syndrome. The patella is another name for the kneecap. The name “runner’s knee” is sometimes used to describe patellofemoral pain syndrome. People who run and play sports that involve running and jumping are more likely to have it.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Symptoms

Patellofemoral pain syndrome generally makes the front of the knee hurt in a dull, aching way. These things can make the pain worse:

• Taking the stairs up or down
• Kneeling or getting down low
• Sitting for a long time with the knees bent

What Causes Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Several things can cause patellofemoral pain syndrome. It has been connected to:

• Overuse – When you run or jump, you put stress on the knee joint over and over. This can cause soreness under the kneecap
• Muscle stiffness or imbalance – Patellofemoral pain can happen when the hip and knee muscles don’t keep the kneecap in the right place. Patellofemoral pain has been linked to squatting with the knee turned inward
• Injury – Patellofemoral pain syndrome has been linked to injuries to the kneecap, like when the kneecap moves out of place or breaks
• Surgery – Patellofemoral pain is more likely to happen after knee surgery. This is especially true when a patient’s patellar tendon is used as a graft to fix an ACL issue

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Treatment

Most of the time, simple steps are the first step in treating patellofemoral pain. As much as possible, let the knee rest. Try not to do things like climbing stairs, kneeling, or sitting that make the pain worse.

Nonsurgical treatments for this condition include but are not limited to:

• Medications
• Rehab exercises
• Supportive brace
• Taping
• Ice
• Orthotics
• Knee-friendly exercising

If simple, nonsurgical methods don’t work, your doctor might recommend knee surgery, such as:

• Arthroscopy – During this operation, a surgeon makes a small cut in the knee and puts a pencil-thin device inside. This tool called an arthroscope, has a light and a camera lens. Small cuts in the skin can be used to put in tools that can fix the problem
• Realignment – In more serious cases, a surgeon may need to operate on the knee to fix the angle of the kneecap or ease pressure on the cartilage

How to Prevent Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Sometimes, knee pain is a common occurrence for active patients. However, here are some things you can do to prevent this condition:

• Build strength
• Move safely
• Lose weight if needed
• Warm up before exercise
• Stretch
• Wear proper shoes that fit well and are meant for the activities you are doing

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Care in SC

If you are experiencing the symptoms above, or having any issues with knee pain, content CONA to schedule an appointment today. Our specialists will ensure an accurate diagnosis and get you on the right treatment plan for you.

Our offices are located in Duncan, Greenville, and Spartanburg, South Carolina where every orthopedic expert is ready to help you get back to enjoying the activities you like to do.