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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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here to view all knee pain supports
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
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