|
Did you know... Patellofemoral pain is often referred to as "runner's knee."
Causes
Patellofemoral pain is a common condition occurring most frequently in young women. The exact cause of patellofemoral pain isn't known; however, it likely involves the way the patella tracks along the groove of the femur. Because the patella can move in a variety of different directions, the patella can come into contact with, and aggravate, many of the articular surfaces of the knee.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Pain around the knee cap
- Pain that increases when walking up or down steps, or during a squatting motion
- The feeling of "cracking" or "popping" in the front of the knee
Treatments
Patellofemoral pain can usually be treated with ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. For resistant cases that do not respond to conservative measures, surgery may be required.
|
