Patellofemoral knee pain

Patellofemoral knee pain - common source of knee pain resulting from the joint between the kneecap and the end of the thighbone in the front of the knee.

This pain can result from trauma, weakness or imbalance of the quadriceps muscles, abnormal alignment of the leg and thigh (valgus alignment or "knock-kneed"), flatfeet, or genetic ligamentous laxity ("loose jointed" or "double-jointed"). Signs/symptoms include pain with walking up or down stairs, squatting, rising from a sitting position, and is located around the kneecap.

Treatment

Treatment is usually nonsurgical or conservative and includes physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps muscles, anti-inflammatory medicines, and/or bracing.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely indicated, but if needed, requires realignment of the patellofemoral joint to take pressure of this joint surface.