Patellofemoral pain syndrome

This article is about pain in the patellofemoral region. For other uses, see Runner's knee.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Other namesPatellar overload syndrome, runner's knee,[1] retropatellar pain syndrome[1]
Diagram of the bones of the lower extremity. Rough distribution of areas affected by PFPS highlighted in red: patella and distal femur.
SpecialtyOrthopedics, sports medicine
SymptomsPain in the front of the knee[1]
Usual onsetGradual[2]
CausesUnclear[1]
Risk factorsTrauma, increased training, weak quadriceps muscle[1]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms and examination[3]
Differential diagnosisPatellar tendinopathy, infrapatellar bursitis, infrapatellar fat pad syndrome, chondromalacia patellae[2]
TreatmentRest, physical therapy[3]
PrognosisMay last for years[3]
FrequencyRelatively common[2]

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS; not to be confused with jumper's knee) is knee pain as a result of problems between the kneecap and the femur.[4] The pain is generally in the front of the knee and comes on gradually.[2][4] Pain may worsen with sitting down with a bent knee for long periods of time, excessive use, or climbing and descending stairs.[1][5]

While the exact cause is unclear, it is believed to be due to overuse.[1][2] Risk factors include trauma, increased training, and a weak quadriceps muscle.[1] It is particularly common among runners.[3] The diagnosis is generally based on the symptoms and examination.[3] If pushing the kneecap into the femur increases the pain, the diagnosis is more likely.[1][3]

Treatment typically involves rest and rehabilitation with a physical therapist.[6] Runners may need to switch to activities such as cycling or swimming.[3] Insoles may help some people.[3] Symptoms may last for years despite treatment.[3] Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common cause of knee pain, affecting more than 20% of young adults.[1][2] It occurs about 2.5 times more often in females than males.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ferri FF (2016). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2017 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 936.e6. ISBN 978-0-323-44838-3.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Dutton RA, Khadavi MJ, Fredericson M (February 2016). "Patellofemoral Pain". Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 27 (1): 31–52. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2015.08.002. PMID 26616176.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Dixit S, DiFiori JP, Burton M, Mines B (January 2007). "Management of patellofemoral pain syndrome". American Family Physician. 75 (2): 194–202. PMID 17263214.
  4. ^ a b Callaghan MJ, Selfe J (April 2012). "Patellar taping for patellofemoral pain syndrome in adults". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 4 (4): CD006717. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006717.pub2. PMID 22513943.
  5. ^ "Patellofemoral pain syndrome - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  6. ^ "Patellofemoral pain syndrome - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 17 May 2022.