Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a term used to describe pain around or behind the kneecap (patella). The pain is often difficult to pinpoint and is commonly aggravated by activities that place increased load through the knee, such as squatting, lunging, running, jumping, climbing stairs or sitting for prolonged periods.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain at the front of the knee or behind the kneecap.
• Pain when walking up or down stairs.
• Pain with running, jumping or squatting.
• Pain after sitting for long periods.
• Pain that worsens with increased activity.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is commonly provoked when the knee is acutely overloaded. The patella acts like a pulley, helping the muscles at the front of your thigh (quadriceps) straighten your knee more efficiently. During activities such as running, squatting, jumping and climbing stairs, the forces passing through the kneecap increase significantly. If these forces exceed the knee's current capacity, the tissues around or behind the kneecap can become irritated, resulting in pain and reduced performance.

Factors that may contribute include:

• A sudden increase in training or activity levels
• Changes in running or movement patterns.
• Reduced strength or endurance of the hip and lower limb muscles.
• Training volume or recovery.
• Footwear or training surfaces.
• Hormonal and dietary changes
• Changes in weight

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Following a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment, treatment may include:

• Identifying and modifying activities that are aggravating your symptoms.
• Education on appropriate load management to allow the knee to recover while maintaining activity where possible.
• A progressive strengthening program targeting the entire lower limb, including the hips, quadriceps and calf muscles.
• A gradual return to running, sport and other activities.
• Manual therapy and taping may be used to provide short-term pain relief and improve comfort during rehabilitation.

At TSIC, our physiotherapists will work with you to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualised rehabilitation program to help reduce pain, improve function and support your return to the activities you enjoy.

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