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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain around and under the patella (kneecap).
The condition is also known as runner's or jumper's knee and affects both kids
and adults.

Symptoms and Causes

Diagnosis and Tests
Management and Treatment

Prevention
Outlook / Prognosis

OVERVIEW

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 PFPS is pain under or around the patella (kneecap).

What is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is also known as runner’s knee or
jumper’s knee. This medical condition causes pain under or around the
kneecap (patella). PFPS can occur in one or both knees. It affects both
children and adults.

In most cases, pain increases with activity or after sitting for long periods of
time with the knees bent. Most people can manage symptoms with rest,
changes in activity levels or physical therapy.

Who is likely to have patellofemoral pain syndrome

(PFPS)?
Anyone can develop patellofemoral pain syndrome. PFPS is more likely to
occur in females and athletes, including children and young adults. People can
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experience PFPS most often when they participate in sports with frequent
running, jumping or squatting. Others may experience PFPS if they are walking
or sitting for extended periods of time, kneeling or climbing stairs.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What causes patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)?

The exact cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is unknown. Several factors
may contribute to the development of PFPS, including:

Overuse of the knee joint

Problems with kneecap alignment
Certain anatomy or body types
Weak muscles surrounding the knee
Improper equipment use or sports training techniques
Changes to footwear
Hard playing surfaces

What are the symptoms of patellofemoral pain

syndrome (PFPS)?
In most cases, symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome develop gradually.
Symptoms usually get worse with activity.

Many people experience a dull, aching pain in the front of the affected knee.
Your symptoms may also include:

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 Pain during activities that bend the knee, including squatting or climbing
stairs
Pain after sitting for extended periods of time with your knees bent
Crackling or popping sounds in your knee when standing up or climbing
stairs
Pain that increases with changes to your usual playing surface, sports
equipment or activity intensity

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

When should I call my doctor if I think I have

patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)?
If you have knee pain or notice other symptoms of PFPS, especially after
exercising or sitting for long periods of time, contact your doctor to evaluate
your knee.

How is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses patellofemoral pain syndrome with a thorough physical
examination.

If necessary, your doctor also orders an X-ray to rule out other medical
conditions that may cause pain. An X-ray shows damage to the bones and
tissues around the knee.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT Ad

How is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) treated?
Your treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Surgery is not
usually indicated for PFPS.

At home, resting the knee using the RICE method may ease symptoms. RICE
means Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Rest: Avoid putting any weight on the knee.

Ice: Do not apply ice directly to your knee. Instead, apply cold packs
wrapped in a towel for no more than 20 minutes at a time, several times
each day.
Compression: Using an elastic bandage, lightly wrap your knee while
leaving an opening over your kneecap. Make sure the bandage is not
wrapped too tightly. Be sure the bandage does not cause more pain.
Elevation: Rest with your knee higher than your heart.

Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter pain medications, such
as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil®,
Motrin®).

In addition to home remedies, your treatment may include:

Physical therapy: Specific exercises can help you regain knee strength,
endurance and range of motion.
Orthotics: Special shoe inserts stabilize and align your foot and ankle.
Better alignment takes stress off your lower leg and knee.
Other: For severe PFPS, doctors perform an MRI to further evaluate for
other structural issues. If these are discovered, surgery may be an option.

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 The procedure may remove damaged bone or cartilage or move tendons to
correct any kneecap misalignment.

What complications are associated with patellofemoral

pain syndrome (PFPS)?
Left untreated, patellofemoral pain syndrome generally gets worse over time.
If you continue using the affected knee without treatment, you may cause
further injury.

PREVENTION

Can patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) be

prevented?
You may be able to prevent patellofemoral pain syndrome by adjusting your
activity level or athletic training routine. Other actions to avoid PFPS include:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Wearing appropriate shoes for your activities
Stretching and warming up before activity
Increasing athletic training intensity gradually
Avoiding activities that hurt your knee in the past

OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS

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What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with
patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)?
Most people recover from patellofemoral pain syndrome with home remedies
like the RICE method. Many people also benefit from physical therapy to regain
full use of their knee.

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Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/08/2018.

References

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