Patellofemoral pain syndrome
প্যাটেলোফেমোরাল পেইন সিনড্রোম (হাঁটুর সামনে ব্যথা)
This information may help if you have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome. If your symptoms are new or ongoing, it's best to visit your healthcare professional for advice.
Read about advice on dealing with a knee problem
What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition that causes pain behind or around the kneecap.
It's a leading cause of long-term knee pain, which about 1 in 3 adults may experience at some point in their life.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
Patellofemoral pain syndrome doesn't have a single cause, and it can look a little different from one person to the next. In most cases, though, it comes down to the kneecap not moving or bearing weight the way it normally should.
A few things are usually most responsible for this:
- Weak muscles in the buttocks and thighs
- Tight hamstrings and calf muscles
- A sudden increase or change in your activity level
A number of other everyday habits can also play a part:
- Kneeling or bending the knee repeatedly
- Sitting or driving for long stretches at a time
- Carrying extra body weight
Treatment
Treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome
The strongest evidence suggests that strengthening any weak or underactive muscles and stretching any short or tight muscles is very important.
An important step in your recovery is identifying which activities are causing or increasing your pain. Modifying those activities can help to reduce symptoms, however, it’s important to make sure you remain active.
Modifying your activities may include:
- reducing the amount of kneeling
- take regular breaks while doing aggravating activities
- reduce the amount of time you sit still
Read more about exercises for patellofemoral pain syndrome
Read more about how to stay active
Pain management
Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which can help manage your symptoms.
More about taking painkillers.
Work
Patellofemoral knee syndrome can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on your condition and your role at work.
You don’t need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as is possible for you, will help your recovery.
Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help to build up your strength and stamina levels.
Help and support
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
Talk to a healthcare professional if:
- your symptoms haven’t improved within 6 weeks following this advice
- your symptoms get worse
Find out about access to MSK services in your area.
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing. This can impact your recovery.
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