Patellofemoral syndrome is an injury that causes pain and irritation under the kneecap (patella) and is aggravated by intensive running and jumping activity.
Some doctors believe that it is the result of the deterioration of the cartilage under the kneecap. This in turn causes direct bone on bone contact between the underside of the kneecap and the thigh bone. It is sometimes also referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome.
This condition is one of the most common causes of knee pain among athletes of adolescent age, particularly for those who do lots of running or jumping. Another name for the condition is “runners knee”.
Chondromalacia has very similar symptoms to patellofemoral pain syndrome and some people also refer to it as as runners knee.
However, one notable difference between the two conditions is that chondromalacia is sometimes attributable to deteriorating tissue under the knee cap. This is not the case with patellofemoral pain syndrome – in general, there is no widespread agreement as to the underlying cause of this condition.
Patellofemoral pain normally occurs as an overuse injury caused by excessive running and jumping. Other potential causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome can include muscle imbalances in the hip and knee areas that result in misalignment of the kneecap. In other cases, a blow to the kneecap can result in the development of patellofemoral pain later in life. Some types of knee surgery are also believed to increase the risk of the condition.
Risk factors for patellofemoral syndrome can include:
As we have mentioned, the key symptom of patellofemoral syndrome is pain under the kneecap. This knee pain may be more intense when engaging in intense physical activity, particularly if it involves running and jumping. Activities that involve deep knee bends, such as sitting or squatting, will usually produce runners knee pain.
Treatment or prevention of the condition may involve some or all of the following
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The Bio Skin Premium J combines function, comfort and affordability with a buttress around the patella to help prevent patella subluxation and knee dislocation. It also features dual elastic straps criss-crossing the knee to help seat the patella in its trochlear groove for less patellofemoral pain.
The Bio Skin Premium J with Conforma hinge combines function, comfort and affordability with a buttress around the patella to help prevent patella subluxation and knee dislocation. It also features dual elastic straps criss-crossing the knee to help seat the patella in its trochlear groove for less patellofemoral pain.
The low profile BioSkin Q Baby Patella Tendon Strap uses Bio Skin’s patented Ultima 2SL™ material with micro fleeced lining for extra comfort. The Q Baby goes on your knee just below the patella and compresses your patellar tendon with its uniquely shaped silicon pad to reduce pain and speed healing.
