Patellofemoral pain

Patellofemoral pain (pain around, behind, or below the kneecap) is common among men and women of all ages and all activity levels. It often results in pain during normal daily activities such as walking, sitting, running, squatting or walking up and down the stairs.

Research has shown that this does not go away by itself, but that you can often do something about it with adjustments and exercises.

What are the causes?

1. Excessive strain and a (too) rapid increase in physical activity.

2. Poor biomechanics (movement), where the kneecap moves slightly to the outside of the knee and no longer “spurs” properly.

3. Other (Indirect) causes include; the shape (anatomy) of your knee or a period after a trauma moment or surgery where the knee is stressed in a different way.

What are the treatment options?

1. Rest.

2. Sitting or lying exercises can help you exercise the gluteal and thigh muscles pain-free.

3. As soon as possible, you will do the exercises (pain-free) in a standing position in postures that mimic daily activities.

4. Exercises only help if they are performed regularly with good technique.

The most important are strengthening exercises, especially for the gluteal, hip and thigh muscles. In addition, taping the kneecap (Mc Connell) can help support and reduce pain. And sometimes inlays (insoles) can be fitted to correct the foot position in order to indirectly improve the positioning of the kneecap.

For an appointment or more information, please contact info@uscfysiotherapie.nl