Also referred to as “Runners knee,” this ailment involves pain on the front of the knee that results from the patella, or knee cap, being unable to easily slide through the groove underneath the knee joint where it rests. As a lot of force is passed via the knee cap during running gait, it can become overloaded when predisposed by biomechanical difficulties surrounding the knee, which is a common condition in runners.
Symptoms
The pain is typically worsened by jogging, hopping, squatting, climbing stairs, lengthy periods of sitting, or persistent knee bending. It is also felt at the front of the knee or under the knee-cap. Ache usually comes on gradually and begins as a sharp pain during the aggravating activity, but it can also get so bad that it hurts while you move or are at rest. The inferior portion of the patella can be painful to the touch but is typically not swollen.
Causes
The misalignment and mistracking of the patella, which results in patella-femoral pain, are caused by muscular imbalance and biomechanical control problems. The patellar tendon connects the inner and outer vastus medialis oblique quadriceps muscles, which when working properly should exert equal forces on the patella to allow it to gently glide in the femoral groove. The VMO is typically weaker and will not exert as much force as the VL in a person with patella-femoral pain, leading the patella to be dragged laterally and producing friction.
A range of biomechanical problems, such as chronic tightness of the knee supporting muscles, such as the ITB, quadriceps, and hamstrings, hip deficiencies, improper foot posture, and excessive pronation, may lead to malalignment.
This injury may also be predisposed by extrinsic factors such inadequate footwear, increased mileage, increased training intensity, hill running, and rough training surfaces.
Treatment and Prevention
According to research, 90% of patients with patella-femoral discomfort who seek physiotherapy treatment will get pain relief within 6 weeks of starting their physiotherapist-guided rehabilitation.
In order to alleviate discomfort, inflammation, and loading on the knee, the initial treatment for PFPS entails methods including rest, anti-inflammatories, taping, and mild stretching. After the initial discomfort has subsided, treatment focuses on restoring the quadriceps muscle imbalance, addressing biomechanical problems at the hip and foot, and implementing a progressive strengthening programme.
Similar to other running injuries, this one can be prevented by stretching and foam rolling regularly after workouts, maintaining a core strength and conditioning programme, wearing supportive, up-to-date footwear, and avoiding overtraining.
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