Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common condition that affects many people, particularly athletes and those who engage in physical activities that involve knee bending. It’s characterized by pain around or beneath the kneecap and can be triggered by various factors. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and disability. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different triggers of PFPS and how physiotherapists and chiropractors can help manage the condition.
Overuse: Overuse is one of the most common causes of PFPS. This happens when you engage in repetitive activities that put stress on your knee joint, such as running, jumping, squatting, or cycling. Over time, this can cause wear and tear on your knee joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
Muscle Imbalance: Muscle imbalance refers to an uneven distribution of force between muscles around the knee joint. When some muscles are weaker than others, they cannot support the knee joint properly during movement, causing misalignment and increased stress on the patella (kneecap). This can lead to PFPS.
Trauma: Trauma to the knee joint can also trigger PFPS. This includes direct blows to the kneecap or falls that result in twisting or hyperextending the knee. Trauma can cause damage to the cartilage or ligaments around your knee joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
Poor Biomechanics: Poor biomechanics refer to abnormalities in your body mechanics when you move or exercise. For example, if you have flat feet or knock knees (valgus deformity), it can alter your gait pattern and increase stress on your knees during movement, leading to PFPS.
Tightness: Tightness in certain muscles around your knee joint, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, or iliotibial band (ITB), can also cause PFPS. Tight muscles can pull on your kneecap and alter its tracking, leading to pain and inflammation.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life. However, with proper management from physiotherapists and chiropractors, you can reduce pain and improve your function. By identifying the triggers of PFPS, such as overuse, muscle imbalance, trauma, poor biomechanics, and tightness, you can take steps to prevent or manage the condition. Physiotherapy treatments may include exercises to strengthen weak muscles or stretch tight ones, manual techniques to correct alignment issues or reduce inflammation, and education on proper movement mechanics. Chiropractic care may involve adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of PFPS for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment. Dr. Tyler Baron is a chiropractor in Kitchener.
