Patella Femoral Syndrome

Runner's Guide to

What Is Patella Femoral Syndrome?

Patella femoral syndrome can affect just about every physically active person from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Also called “runner's knee”, patellofemoral syndrome, and PFS, patella femoral syndrome is a common and complex medical condition.

Who Gets PFS? PFS is most notably present in

runners and weight lifters. Essentially, any athlete that puts repetitive stress on the sensitive knee joint and surrounding tissues. But, runners are especially apt to develop PFS. Marathon and long-distance runners beware. Overuse of the knee joint is a key factor in the development of patella femoral syndrome.

What Causes Patella Femoral Syndrome?

The patellofemoral joint is where the muscle fibers of the quadricep femoris muscle come together. With PFS, discomfort in one or both knees is caused by improper tracking of the patella (knee cap) in relation to the femur bone.

When there is too much contact between the femur and back of the patella during knee movement, pain results. Thinning and softening cartilage beneath the femur becomes inflamed. Changes in the femur bone itself (bone bruises) develop as a result of the constant friction within the joint.

Weak, tight thigh musclesBad athletic techniquePoor footwearLack of flexibilityProblematic body alignment (ie:”knock knees”)FracturesOsteoarthritisKnee tumors

...are all factors in getting PFS

PFS SymptomsMost people with patella femoral syndrome will experience sharp pain in the knees with movement. Some individuals report feeling as though their knees will “give out” once full body weight is placed on them.

Even sitting in one position for an extended amount of time can cause additional pain for those suffering with PFS. Hill and stair climbing exacerbate the condition. Generally, there is minimal outward swelling with PFS. The vast majority of swelling occurs within the patellofemoral joint.

Getting Back on Track...

Before treatment starts one must rule out similar causes of knee painlike dislocations, ligament problems,bursitis, and tendonitis.

On average, women, teens, and young adults are most prone to developing PFS.Having wider pelvis bones than men women make great candidates for patella femoral syndrome.

Some doctors are hesitant to treat the condition and think it's a psychological problem as the pain and resulting symptoms are somewhat vague and elusive.

PFS SolutionsPhysical therapy (PT) can help alleviate “runner's knee”. PT offers solutions to fix knee joint tracking problems. Stretching the lower extremity muscles (hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, iliotibial band, glutes, and anterior tibialis) aids in countering any muscle imbalances.

In addition, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound offer alternatives to more conventional treatments.

Altering activities can help with pain as well. Runners should change to non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming, cycling, elliptical machines during acute knee pain. Standing after sitting for prolonged periods of time may alleviate some discomfort.

Heat or ice can be your best friend when trying to alleviate patella femoral syndrome flare ups. Some people prefer warmth to soothe tender knee joints. Others feel that cold compresses help to reduce joint inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin can also lessen the amount of pain to affected areas.

Braces, tape, knee sleeves, and infrapatellar straps help to stabilize weak knee joints. Orthotics are devices that foster proper foot movement.

Orthotics and fitted arch supports in shoes correct foot structural abnormalities such as over-pronation and flat feet that can contribute to the development of patella femoral syndrome. Orthotics can be custom made or store bought.

For most runners, surgery is the option of last resort treat PFS. It's a decision not to be taken lightly. The main drawback is that it takes quite a while to recovery from such an invasive procedure.

Patellofemoral joint replacement is the most common surgical treatment for patella femoral syndrome. While performed less frequently than total joint replacement, it can correct PFS symptoms. In some rare severe cases, a total knee replacement may be needed to completely ameliorate PFS.