Knee
Pain
(Patello-femoral
pain)
INTRODUCTION
TO KNEE PAIN
Patello-femoral pain can occur in one
or both knees and it is one of the most
common causes of knee pain. Patello-femoral
pain is felt in the front of the knee
and occurs when the patella is compressed
against the femoral groove. The compression
forces causes the the knee to bend further
and as a result pain usually increases
as well. Therefore, patello-femoral
pain can be aggravated by activities
that involve repetitive bending of the
knee. Pain is often felt going up or
down stairs or after sitting for long
periods of time. Knee pain can be accompanied
by "clicking" or "grinding"
and sometimes by a feeling that the
knee "catches" or wants to
"give way".
SYMPTOMS
OF KNEE PAIN
-
Pain and occasionally redness and
swelling around the patellar.
CAUSES
OF KNEE PAIN
Patello-femoral
pain describes the location of the pain
but not its cause. Overuse ("too
much, too soon") or previous injury
to the knee are common causes of knee
pain. Biomechanical factors such as
poor tracking of the patella in the
femoral groove, flat (pronated) feet,
weak inner thigh muscles and tight outer
thigh muscles and/or ligaments can also
cause patellofemoral pain. Sometimes
"wear and tear arthritis"
(osteoarthritis) or damage to the articular
cartilage (chondromalacia) on the back
of the patella causes the pain but in
most cases of patellofemoral pain the
knee joint is normal.
WHAT
YOU CAN DO
- Insoles
to control biomechanical complaints
such as "overpronation"
will help. Make sure that the orthotics
are sports orthotics.
-
Seek immediate advice from a chiropodist
Knee
Pain
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WHAT
NOT TO DO
-
If you are suffering from knee pain
be wary of the type and frequency
of strenuous activities you do.
WHAT
THE CHIROPODIST WILL DO
Examination
techniques that detect biomechanical
problems are helpful in the diagnosis
of patellofemoral pain. X-rays are often
done to assess the shape of the patella
and to rule out osteoarthritis of the
knee. Rarely are other tests such as
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) required.
The
treatment of patellofemoral pain depends
on it's cause and may include stretching
and strengthening exercises, relative
rest, icing, medication, foot orthotics
and bracing. In rare cases surgery is
required. Doctors and physiotherapists
trained in treating patellofemoral pain
can outline a treatment plan specific
to each individual. Treatment of this
condition initially involves rest, ice
therapy, anti-inflammatory medications
and taping
