If you hear or feel your joints pop, snap, or crackle, this could be a sign of patellofemoral pain.
What exactly is patellofemoral pain?
Patellofemoral pain is a general term used to describe pain that resides in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, PFPS, is also known as both runners’ and jumpers’ knee due to the type of athletes who commonly complain of the problem.
Most people tend to believe that it can only occur in athletes or those who participate in high intensity sport. However it can also occur in the older and more sedentary populations as well.
So what causes PFPS?
Most commonly, this condition is caused by repetitive stress on the knee joint while performing high intensity exercises such as jumping, squatting and running. In addition to overuse, other common causes include:
- Sudden change in physical activity
- Increased frequency of physical activity whether in duration or intensity
- Patellar malalignment
- Improper technique
- Muscular imbalances
During the jumping, squatting and running activities, the kneecap is repeatedly moving throughout the patellar groove. As the kneecap travels through the range of motion to complete each exercise, the backside of the kneecap starts to rub against the end of the thigh bone, also known as the femur. This causes that pain.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of PFPS include but are not limited to: anterior knee pain (often dull and achy), swelling in the knee joint, stiffness, increased pain with activities that repeatedly involve knee flexion, increased pain with prolonged sitting in knee flexion, and joint pop, snap, or crackle sounds when going up stairs or standing after prolonged sitting.
These symptoms make is a hassle to climb the stairs in your home, commute to work, exercise and even play with your kids. Don’t sacrifice the things that you want to do or love doing. Come into to Loudoun Sports Therapy Center and start your recovery journey!
Get rid of your joint pop, snap, or crackle and get you back to living life pain free! Call our office TODAY at 703-450-4300.
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