Patellofemoral Pain is a syndrome that occurs at the anterior section of the knee joint. Patellofemoral pain has multiple causes that are very difficult to pin, yet conservative therapy can heal the pain, no matter the cause of it. When someone becomes diagonsed with patellofemoral pain, they can suspect that further investigation will go on as to what is cause the pain. The most often seen causes are chondromalacia patellea, trauma , and malalignment, and some less common are patella alta, lica disorders, osteoarthritis of the patella, tendinitis, and burstis.
Chondromalacia patellae could possibly lead to anterior knee pain. Irregular pressure on the subchondral bone may produce the pain of chondromalacia patellae, just as synovitis caused by cartlilage damage. Fibrosis and tightening of the lateral retinaculummay also be causes. Malalignment is often induced by weak vastus medialis oblique muscles. Malalignment can cause repeated patellar sublaxation and and its location, causein irritaion of the synovium or retinaculum. Patellofemeral pain in children is often caused by trauma, and malalignment , or both. Chondral fractures of the trochlea or patella, which canÕt be detected on x-rays may cause secondary chondralmalacia.
A typical patient is usually an older one that has had past or presistant anterior knee pain. The pain felt is usually dull with episodes of sharp pain, caused by going up or down the stairs or jumping and running, and can be calmed by ice and rest. He or she may experiance pain while sitting for a long period of time, such and while driving, or watching a movie. Fingerpointing the spot of tenderness will help to find a diognosis. If lateral displacement of the patella caused apprehension, there is a chance of pateller subluxation. Often subluxations indicates extensor mechanism abnormalities.
When patellorfemeral pain is caused by malaignment, the normal patient is younger then 17 and has an instant onset of pain, often on both knees. Tightness of the iliotibular band or hamstring can add to malalignment. If patellorfemoral pain is due to condromalacia, the patient is normally 20 or older and may report swelling and past trauma. Physical apperance may be very similar to that of malaignment.
Patellofemeral pain is usually resolved with conservative therapy, especialy the pain is caused by overuse, vastus medialis weakness, or mild osteoperosis. Common treatments are includes rest and limiting motions associated with elevated patellofemeral pressure and pain, including jumping, squatting and climbing. Strengthaning the quadriceps is recomened. Anti-inflamatories have been said to lessen inflamation and work as a analgesia. Other affective techniques include McConnel Taping, open-and-closed kinetic chain excersises, hydrotherapy, and orthoses to correct malaignment.