CONDITIONS

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain is a painful knee condition. It’s sometimes called “runner’s knee.” It has to do with the way your kneecap (patella) moves on the groove of your thigh bone (femur). It’s most common in people who participate in high-impact activities that include jumping and running. The syndrome mostly occurs in teens and young adults. It’s also more common in females than males.

Causes

The exact cause of patellofemoral pain isn’t known. However, Runner’s knee may be caused by a structural defect, or a certain way of walking or running. Other causes may include:

• A kneecap that is too high in the knee joint
• Weak thigh muscles
• Tight hamstrings
• Tight Achilles tendons
• Poor foot support
• Walking or running with the feet rolling in while the thigh muscles pull the kneecap outward
• Excessive training or overuse
• Injury

Symptoms

These are the most common symptoms of runner’s knee:

• Pain in and around the kneecap that happens when you are active. Or pain after sitting for a long time with the knees bent. This sometimes causes weakness or feelings of instability.
• Rubbing, grinding, or clicking sound of the kneecap that you hear when you bend and straighten your knee
• Kneecap that is tender to the touch

The symptoms of runner’s knee may look like other conditions and health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will do a physical exam. This might involve pressing on your knee and moving your leg around. You may need an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to look at your bones and soft tissue