PFP syndrome is characterized by pain in and around the kneecap (patella). PFP syndrome is frequently referred to as “runner's knee.”
Rest and activities that stretch and strengthen the hips and legs can aid in the recovery of PFP syndrome.
What Is the Cause of PFP Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome NJ is an overuse disorder. These occur when children repeatedly perform the same knee-stressing activities. The kneecap is stressed by frequent bending and straightening in PFP syndrome. It is more prevalent in children who do active sports.
Some PFP syndrome patients have a kneecap that is out of alignment with the thighbone (femur). Because of muscle weakness, trauma, or other problems, the kneecap can wobble as it glides along the thigh bone. When the knee bends and straightens, the kneecap does not slide smoothly over the thigh bone. The kneecap is injured, resulting in PFP syndrome pain.
Who Is Affected by PFP Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is most common in children who participate in sports that require a lot of knee bending and straightening, such as running, biking, and skiing. PFP syndrome can be exacerbated by tight or weak leg muscles or flat feet.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of PFP Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by pain beneath and around the knee. Walking, kneeling, squatting, going up or down stairs, or sprinting frequently aggravates the discomfort. It may also hurt after a long period of sitting with a bent knee, such as on a long car ride or in a movie theater.
Some patients with PFP syndrome hear a popping or cracking sound when rising from a sitting position or moving up or down stairs.
How Is PFP Syndrome Identified?
Healthcare practitioners must do the following to identify patellofemoral pain syndrome:
- Inquire about physical activities;
- Take a test.
Often, no testing is required. An X-ray or other imaging scan may be ordered by the doctor to rule out other knee disorders.
What Is the Treatment for PFP Syndrome?
A kid or adolescent with patellofemoral pain syndrome should minimize or avoid activities that cause pain. Sometimes a simple change in training is all that is required. Someone who normally jogs on the hills, for example, can try running on a flat, soft surface instead.
How to Relieve the Pain?
- Apply ice or a cold pack to the knee for 15 minutes every 1-2 hours. To protect your child's skin from the cold, place a small cloth between the ice and the skin;
- If your doctor approves, you can provide ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, or store brand). Follow the dosage and administration instructions included with the medication. Do not use this medication for more than 2-3 weeks;
- Improving the strength and flexibility of the legs, hips, and core muscles is an important element of PFP syndrome treatment. A physical therapist is frequently recommended by health care specialists to create an activity routine that will help. Stretching, squats, planks, lunges, and other activities that enhance leg and hip strength and flexibility may be included in the plan.
The health care practitioner may also suggest a knee brace knee taping special shoe insoles
Although it is uncommon, surgery may be required for PFP syndrome.
Can Someone With PFP Syndrome Participate in Sports?
Most people with PFP syndrome must limit or discontinue sports for an extended period of time. Follow your doctor's advice about when it is safe for your child to resume sports. Typically, this occurs when:
- Hip, leg, and core strength are all close to normal;
- Flexibility has improved, particularly in the hamstring muscle.
Everyday tasks like walking and going up and down stairs are painless. Any pain associated with the activity is extremely mild and disappears after a few minutes of beginning the activity.
Young athletes should do the following to reduce stress on their knees when they have healed:
- Warm up and stretch before jogging or participating in other sports;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Wear supportive running shoes and change them on a regular basis;
- Run on soft, flat terrain (like grass, dirt, or a softer-surfaced synthetic track).
Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
If your doctor has advised you to use shoe inserts or a knee brace, do so.
