Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS)?

PPS is pain located at the front of the knee around the kneecap (patella). This syndrome is commonly referred to as Runner’s Knee. It is therefore more common in people who run and play sports that involve running and jumping.

Causes

At Body Care Health & Chiropractic we have seen a range of causes for PPS. These have included:

-          Overuse: running or jumping sports that have put repeated stress on the joint

-          Injury: trauma to the kneecap

-          Muscle imbalances: when the muscles around the knee and hip are too weak to keep the kneecap in line

Symptoms

-          Dull ache in the front part of the knee

-          Pain increases when walking up or down stairs

-          Kneeling or squatting causes pain

-          Sitting with a bent knee for a long period of time increases level of pain

Prevention & Chiropractic Care

Sometimes you just can’t avoid an injury, however, below are some points that we can help you with in order to try and avoid PPS.

-          Safe movements: Our Chiropractors here at Body Care Health & Chiropractic can assist in assessing and correcting any movements such as squats, jumping, running

-          Strength: Balance and strengthen leg and hip muscles

-          Stretch: It is important to stretch especially before and after exercising. We will provide you with some simple but effective stretches depending on what comes up in your orthopaedic assessments we perform in appointments

-          Correct shoes: wear shoes that are well fitted to your feet

-          Build up your exercises slowly: Do not rush your body into a lot of exercise, increase gradually.

For more advice or if you think you may be suffering from PPS, contact us today at Body Care Health & Chiropractic on 0409 712 075 or send us an email to felicity@bodycarechiro.com.au

https://www.bodycarechiro.com.au/contact-us-1

Author: Dr Felicity Ede (Chiropractor)