Knee pain is quickly becoming one of the most common problems that people are starting to face in all age groups. This becomes a thorn in people's lives as it affects simple daily activities like walking, stair climbing, sitting, standing, cross-legged, etc. This type of Knee pain is often diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). It is characterized by retro or peri patellar pain around the front part of the knee.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that people with PFPS present with are:
Retro or peri patellar pain
Pain on loading activities
Joint swelling
Feeling of instability
Crepitus (clicking sounds during knee movement)
High irritability (pain persists for a long even after the activity is finished)
Causes
Now that we know what PFPS may look like, let's focus on the reasons that may lead to this painful condition.
Hip rotation: people with poor hip rotation have excessively outward or inward-rotated hips. This is due to weak hip musculature and can cause the knees to cave inward during bending activities.
Feet structure: Maldevelopment of feet can also influence abnormal positioning of the knees—for example, pes planus (flat foot) or pes cavus (high-arched foot).
Tight muscles: Tight muscles around the knee joint can limit joint movement and decrease its overall range of motion. These muscles can also hold the joint in abnormal positions.
Weak Muscles: Muscle weakness can reduce the structural stability at the joint and can lead to the feeling of instability. They also decrease the overall functional efficiency of the joint.
Bone malformation: Abnormal bone development can alter joint positioning, the way a joint move, and how forces affect it. Deformities are also formed due to this, for example, patella alta/baja or malalignment of the femur.
Other reasons may include overuse, decreased rest, dietary problems, VMO dysfunction, patella dislocation, increased body weight, and calcium deficiency.
The pain may not always start in relation to an injury but can slowly be felt due to multiple other factors.
Forces at the knee joint
The patellofemoral joint is exposed to high compression forces, which are influenced by the force of the quadriceps muscle and the flexion angle at the knee. Patellofemoral joint stress can be tremendous during even the simplest of activities of daily living, not to mention with sports and recreational activities. The reasons for PFPS discussed above also directly affect these joint reaction forces. People with higher body weights face larger forces at the knee, and to compensate for this, they should have good knee strength and strong bone structure. Any malalignment in the knee will also lead to an increase in joint reaction forces.
Management of PFPS
Management of this condition starts by understanding and identifying the reasons leading up to this condition. Simple techniques may relieve pain and help improve functional effectiveness in day-to-day life.
Stretching: hamstrings, calves, iliotibial band
Strengthening: calves, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, adductors (inner thigh)
Slow weight loss
Walking backward to initiate the healing process
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, if needed
We must understand that since this is an overuse condition, management should not be rushed. There must be slow and controlled progress with ample rest in between.
In conclusion, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent condition affecting individuals across various age groups. It is characterized by pain around the knee joint that significantly impacts daily activities. Understanding the symptoms and underlying causes is crucial for effective management.
Individuals can alleviate pain and improve their knee functionality by employing targeted interventions like stretching, strengthening exercises, weight management, and adequate supplementation. It is essential to approach the management of PFPS with patience, ensuring gradual progress and sufficient rest to promote healing and prevent further aggravation.
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Excellent information