Patellofemoral syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, is a common knee condition among athletes caused by the malfunction of the knee and femur structures. This syndrome leads to pain intensified by repeated stress on the kneecap and, if untreated, may cause premature cartilage wear and irreversible damage. Understanding its features, triggers, and prevention is essential.
Symptoms of patellofemoral syndrome
Patellofemoral syndrome manifests through symptoms that can resemble other knee conditions, making accurate recognition important. Common symptoms include:
- Dull pain at the front of the knee, often deep in the kneecap
- Discomfort during and after physical activity
- Pain interfering with daily activities such as climbing stairs or squatting
- Audible cracking when bending the legs
- Reduced inward and increased outward knee mobility
Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic pain, reduced long-term mobility, cartilage degeneration, and osteoarthritis. Early consultation with a podiatrist is strongly advised for any unusual knee pain.
Causes and at-risk individuals
The pain in patellofemoral syndrome often arises from patella inflammation caused by poor joint alignment and irritation of the patella cartilage. Key biomechanical contributors include:
- Deviation from the natural varus or valgus knee axis
- Excessive foot pronation while walking
- Poor posture
- Limb inflexibility
- Weak leg muscles
- Knees cambered backward
- Hypermobility of the kneecaps
Some individuals are more susceptible, such as people participating in sports exerting repeated stress on the femur and patella (e.g., jogging, soccer), workers with prolonged knee bending or sitting, athletes neglecting warm-ups and stretches, growing teenagers, those wearing unsuitable shoes for foot pronation, and people over 40 years old. Despite this, no one is completely immune, making early professional advice crucial.
Prevent patellofemoral syndrome
Prevention is the most effective approach to managing patellofemoral syndrome, as with many lower limb musculoskeletal diseases. Both athletes and older individuals should remain vigilant to its early signs.
Recommended preventive measures include:
- Reducing sports that involve repeated knee flexion
- Avoiding prolonged physical activities like hiking
- Performing thorough warm-ups before workouts and complete stretching afterward
- Wearing footwear suited to foot shape and motion
- Applying ice to knees at the onset of slight pain
- Gradually increasing exercise intensity
Should complications arise despite prevention, consulting a healthcare professional is essential.
Medical treatments
Diagnosis and treatment begin with a clinical consultation, where a podiatrist conducts tests such as a biomechanical exam, postural evaluation, and 2D or 3D digital foot scanning to pinpoint the pain’s origin.
Therapeutic options include:
- Plantar orthotics to correct foot pronation and reduce pain
- Therapeutic foot bandages (taping)
- Manual foot therapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Customized exercise and stretching programs
In cases of structural abnormalities, surgical solutions such as realignment osteotomy may be considered, but surgery remains a last-resort treatment with conservative foot care preferred.