Patellofemoral pain is a term used to describe a generalized aching or sharp pain located at the front (anterior) of the knee most often located on the underside of the kneecap (patella). This injury is most often referred to as runner’s knee, but can also have other causes.
This is one of the most common injuries people suffer from and is proven to be helped through conservative treatment. Physical therapy is the conservative method of treating injuries, which means surgery isn’t needed in order to get better!
Patellofemoral pain can present with movements such as:
- squatting,
- climbing stairs,
- running,
- walking,
- and other activities where the weight is shifting forward onto the knee.
Factors that can lead to this pain can be:
- muscle imbalances in the lower extremity,
- overactivity,
- past injuries to the knee,
- or even incorrect form and mechanics while performing some of the movements mentioned above!
It’s important, more now than ever, to live life to the fullest. To do that, we should be doing all the activities we love without pain! There’s no better time than the present to invest in your health (and yourself!) to get you back out doing the things you love, pain-free.
If you are struggling with what you think may be patellofemoral pain or any other pain or dysfunction, give our office a call at 703-450-4300 to schedule an evaluation, set up a treatment plan, and get you on track to living life pain free again!
By Lindsey Hulbert, M. Ed., LAT, ATC
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