Patellofemoral Syndrome

(sportlink.co.uk)

Ugh, another knee problem to deal with! Yes the knee is the largest joint in your body and is very susceptible to injury. The patella is connected to the quads, femur, and tibia by the patella tendon and femoral condyle. Patellofemoral Syndrome, technically known as Chondromalacia Patella, is caused by excessive jumping or running (isn't everything?), which makes the patella shift around and start to grind on the femoral condyle.

Symptoms: Vague pain in the knee, becoming more pronounced with activity or when standing up after sitting for awhile, "tightness" or "fullness" in the knee, if chronic symptoms are ignored then a loss of quadriceps muscle will occur as well as swelling.

Anatomy: Patella (obviously), quadriceps, femoral condyle, tibia, and patella tendon

Treatment: Ice for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days or until the pain goes away :) and elevate your knee
~ A sports injury specialist might prescribe medication, instruct on recommend exercises, prescribe orthotics, use an infrapatellar strap (placed below kneecaps on patella tendon), and/or use a neoprene knee sleeve to provide support

Prevention: Strengthen your thigh muscles (quads and hams), and wear fitting shoes that have good arch support