If you experience knee pain while running, jumping or exercising, it can be discouraging, especially if you can’t determine the cause of that pain. For many active adults, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) might be the reason for achy knees. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, knee orthopedic specialists can give you an accurate diagnosis for your knee pain. Most importantly, they can find you the right treatment to get you back on your feet.
What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) describes pain at the front of the knee bone . Patellofemoral is the anatomical term for the joint between your kneecap (patella) and your thigh (femur).
Also called runner’s knee, this condition is very common, especially in runners and athletes who play sports that require frequent jumping or running. However, you don’t have to be an athlete to experience patellofemoral pain syndrome; it can happen to anyone.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome can affect only one knee or sometimes both knees. For most people, the condition can be treated with conservative, nonsurgical methods, including rest, braces and physical therapy.
What causes patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome generally occurs over time due to sports or overuse. Running, squatting or climbing stairs are examples of physical activities that can cause PFPS. Other risk factors or causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome include:
- A sudden change in the frequency of activity (for example, going from being sedentary to vigorously training)
- Change in shoes or other equipment
- Misuse of training equipment
- Anatomical and structural abnormalities, such as issues with the alignment between the knee and the hip
- Muscle imbalance or weakness in the lower extremities
Symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome
The main symptom of PFPS is pain that’s aggravated by flexing the knee while running, squatting, jumping or climbing stairs.
This pain usually feels like it’s behind the kneecap but can be nondescript. Sometimes it comes on gradually whereas other times it’s sudden. Some people describe it as achy, and others, sharp. The pain can affect one or both knees.
Diagnosing patellofemoral pain syndrome
Because of the nondistinctive symptoms, patellofemoral pain syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. Most often, it’s diagnosed by ruling out other more serious conditions, such as osteoarthritis or fracture.
To do this, our knee experts might use the following diagnostic tools:
- A physical examination and medical history
- X-rays
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
If the imaging doesn’t show anything abnormal, your doctor can deduce that the pain is caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome based on how your knee moves and responds to pressure during a physical exam.
How is runner’s knee treated?
In most cases, patellofemoral pain syndrome can be managed using conservative treatment methods. These therapies could include:
- Activity modification
- Over-the-counter medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation (the RICE method)
- Physical therapy
- Bracing or other devices
- Patellar taping
- Steroid injections
- Orthobiologics, including platelet-rich plasma
In severe cases that have lasted longer than 24 months with no relief, knee arthroscopy, realignment (osteotomy) or other knee surgeries may be explored as treatment options.
What can I do to prevent runner’s knee?
Even though patellofemoral pain syndrome can typically be easily treated at home, it’s important that you make certain changes to your training and daily life to prevent the condition from returning.
Some steps you can take to prevent runner’s knee include:
- Wearing proper footwear that fits your feet, appropriate for the activity or sport you’re doing
- Warming up, including stretching, before any physical activity
- Strength training or cross-training to strengthen muscles and prevent overuse injuries
- Increase intensity of physical activity gradually
- Rest and ice when your body hurts or feels fatigued
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Why should I choose Ohio State for patellofemoral pain syndrome treatment?
Because patellofemoral pain syndrome can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are often vague, you’ll want to work with knee specialists who are experts in the conditions that runners and other athletes face.
The knee team with Ohio State Sports Medicine will be able to determine if your knee pain is caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome or if it’s a more serious condition. If it’s a condition that requires more advanced interventions, you’ll already be working with qualified orthopedic knee specialists, surgeons and physical therapists. All your care can be delivered in one place.