Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a term to describe pain that occurs around your kneecap, or patella. It is also known as “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee.” This condition is more likely to develop if you participate in sports that involve frequent running and jumping, but it can also happen to non-athletes.
Typically, PFPS causes pain and stiffness in the front of the knee that can lead to difficulty with normal activities such as kneeling, squatting, going up and down stairs, and even getting up from a chair or couch.
The knee is a complex joint consisting of three bones, including the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). Four ligaments connect the femur and tibia. The patella is supported by the patellar tendon, which attaches it to the tibia, and the quadriceps tendon, which joins the kneecap to the quadriceps muscle.
The patella rides in the groove for the kneecap, called the trochlea. Both the patella and trochlea are lined with the thickest cartilage in the body, which provides cushioning and a smooth surface for the knee.
Knee pain from patellofemoral pain syndrome feels like a dull ache over the front of the knee. It comes about gradually over time and is typically related to sporting or aggravating activities. People may experience pain in one or both knees. It is also associated with stiffness and popping, cracking or crunching sounds.
The pain often worsens over the front of the knee with:
Give your knee a few weeks to rest and avoid activities that trigger the symptoms. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, the best first option is to see your primary care physician. Your primary care provider can determine whether patellofemoral pain syndrome is the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment to reduce or stop the discomfort. Once you have exhausted conservative treatments, your provider may refer you to an orthopedic specialist for evaluation and treatment.
