This is part one, of a three-part blog series. Stay tuned for the next 2 blogs to complete our discussion of Patellofemoral Syndrome, and how this can be treated!
Patellofemoral syndrome is a term used to describe pain coming from the kneecap (patella) or the area around the kneecap.
Anatomy
The knee joint is made up of the long thigh bone (femur), the long shin bone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). The kneecap sits in a groove in the femur bone and is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle (muscle on the front of the thigh). When the quadriceps muscle contracts to straighten the knee, the kneecap (patella) rides in this groove. Irritation of the joint surface of the kneecap or the soft tissues around the kneecap creates the painful condition.
Symptoms
The pain in patellofemoral syndrome is usually in the front of the knee, under or around the kneecap. It is usually aggravated by stairs and walking down stairs is often worse than walking up stairs. Squatting, sitting with knees bent, kneeling, running and jumping also aggravate the pain.
Patellofemoral Syndrome Part 2 will discuss the causes and risk factors for patellofemoral syndrome.