Patellofemoral Syndrome

Athletes who frequently engage in running and jumping, as well as those with patellar malalignment or muscle imbalances, may experience pain due to abnormal movement or pressure distribution between the patella and femur.

Patellofemoral Syndrome, also known as "runner's knee," refers to pain and discomfort between the patella (kneecap) and femur (thigh bone). This condition is often caused by increased pressure or abnormal movement track of the patella sliding over the femur. Here are several detailed reasons for Patellofemoral Syndrome:

1. Muscle Imbalances or Weakness:

   • Overly strong or tight muscles in the front of the thigh (quadriceps) relative to the muscles in the back of the thigh (hamstring group) may pull the patella outward.

   • Weakness in hip muscles, especially the hip abductors and glutes, can also affect the patella's movement track.

2. Patellar Malalignment:

   • Abnormal patellar alignment, including high-riding patella (patella higher than normal position) or tilt, may lead to uneven pressure distribution where the patella contacts the femur.

3. Overuse or Activity Patterns:

   • Prolonged or repetitive activities like running, jumping, and squatting can increase friction between the patella and femur.

   • Overtraining in sports activities, especially on hard surfaces.

4. Biomechanical Issues:

   • Foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or excessive pronation, may cause internal rotation of the leg, affecting the patella's track.

   • Leg alignment issues, such as bow legs or knock knees, may result in uneven stress on the knee joint.

5. Soft Tissue Restrictions:

   • Tight or inflexible muscles and tendons on the inner or outer thigh may cause deviation in the patella's movement track.

6. Congenital Factors:

   • Some individuals may have congenital shapes of the patella or femur leading to suboptimal contact between them.

7. Trauma or Post-Surgical Sequelae:

   • Knee injuries, such as patellar dislocation or post-surgical changes, can affect the position and function of the patella.

Treatment for Patellofemoral Syndrome typically involves pain relief measures, such as strengthening and balancing surrounding muscles through physical therapy and customized muscle fascia relaxation and exercise plans. In some cases, the use of patellar support straps or custom orthotic insoles may be necessary to improve leg alignment and reduce pressure on the knee joint.