Patellofemoral pain syndrome
A pathology involving pain in the front part of the knee, often caused by the kneecap (patella) not sitting properly against the thigh bone (femur) and putting too much pressure on the articular surfaces.
The main cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the displacement of the patella's path of motion during knee flexion and extension. Normally, the kneecap is kept stable by ligaments and muscles in the thigh. If these structures are not working properly, the kneecap can move out of place. This can cause the surrounding tissues to overstretch, which puts more pressure on the articular surfaces. Over time, repeated small injuries and ongoing inflammation can cause the cartilage in the joint between the kneecap (patella) and the thigh bone (femur) to thin out. This makes the cartilage less elastic, which causes pain and accelerates its deterioration.
Causes
Abnormal knee joint biomechanics.
Valgus (X-shaped) leg curvature.
Thigh muscle weakness or imbalance.
Improper foot position (e.g., flat feet or flat-valgus setting).
Excessive strain on the knees when playing sports.
Prolonged sitting posture.
Frequent joint microtraumas.
Abnormalities such as joint hypermobility.
Symptoms
Anterior knee pain that increases with physical activity.
Discomfort when squatting, going up or down stairs.
Crunching or crepitation in the joint when moving.
Locking or stiffness in the knee.
Patellar swelling or soreness.
Weakness or hypertrophy of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
After-effects
Untreated patellofemoral pain syndrome can cause:
Chondromalacia patellae - damage and thinning of the cartilage covering the articular surfaces.
Chronic pain and impaired mobility.
Degeneration of malposition of the patella and its structures, development of arthrosis.
Лечение
Nonsurgical treatment
Treatment for PFPS in the early stages aims to restore the normal way the knee joint moves, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the quadriceps and calf muscles to improve joint stability. The main treatment methods are physical, massage, manual, and exercise therapies.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention may be required if other treatments don't work and there is severe cartilage damage. Advanced procedures include: Arthroscopy: removing damaged cartilage, osteophytes or adjusting the patellar trajectory. Ligament reconstruction: restoring damaged stabilizing structures. Lateral release: releasing the tension of the ligament that deflects the patella. Osteotomy: adjusting limb axis for even load distribution.
Schedule a visit to the clinic
How to reach
Moscow, 1st Yamskogo Polya Street, 15
Mon–Sun Around the clock
+7 495 255-50-03
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign