(604) 968-6557 balancia@hotmail.com

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

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What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition that causes pain around the kneecap (patella). It is also known as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee because it often affects athletes who participate in activities that involve a lot of jumping, running, or repetitive knee bending.
PFPS occurs when the patella does not move smoothly over the femur (thigh bone) as the knee bends and straightens. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the patella, causing pain and discomfort.

What Are Some Common Causes Of PFPS?

The exact causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) are not well understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. Here are some common causes of PFPS:

  1. Overuse: PFPS is often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in repetitive activities that involve a lot of knee bending, such as running, jumping, cycling, or squatting. Overuse of the knee joint can lead to irritation and inflammation of the patellar tendon and surrounding tissues.
  2. Muscle imbalances: Weakness or tightness in the muscles that support the knee joint, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, can cause abnormal tracking of the patella and lead to PFPS.
  3. Poor biomechanics: Abnormal alignment of the lower limb, such as excessive inward rotation of the hip or overpronation of the foot, can affect the way the knee moves and contribute to PFPS.
  4. Trauma: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament sprains or fractures, can alter the mechanics of the knee joint and increase the risk of developing PFPS.
  5. Flat feet: Individuals with flat feet or other foot abnormalities may be at a higher risk of developing PFPS due to altered biomechanics and increased stress on the knee joint.
  6. Other factors: Other factors that may contribute to PFPS include obesity, age-related changes in joint structure, and genetic predisposition.

How we take care of your PFPS?

At Balancia, we provide personalized care for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) to alleviate discomfort and improve knee function. Here’s how we take care of PFPS:

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Our healthcare providers conduct a thorough evaluation to understand the underlying cause of your knee pain and assess the severity of PFPS.
  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on your diagnosis and specific needs, we develop personalized treatment plans tailored to address your symptoms and improve knee function.
  • Physical Therapy: Our skilled physical therapists offer specialized exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and correct biomechanical issues contributing to PFPS.
  • Manual Therapy: Our therapists may use hands-on techniques like massage, joint mobilization, or soft tissue manipulation to alleviate muscle tightness and improve knee mobility.
  • Bracing or Taping: We may recommend wearing a knee brace or using taping techniques to provide support and stabilize the knee joint during activities that aggravate PFPS.
  • Activity Modification: We provide guidance on modifying activities that exacerbate knee pain and offer recommendations on proper technique and movement patterns to prevent further injury.
  • Pain Management: We offer various pain management strategies, including medication, ice therapy, or heat therapy, to alleviate discomfort associated with PFPS.
  • Patient Education: We educate you about PFPS, its causes, and how to manage symptoms at home. This includes self-care techniques such as stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as lifestyle modifications.
  • Biomechanical Assessment: We conduct thorough assessments to identify underlying biomechanical factors contributing to PFPS, such as foot alignment or muscle imbalances, and develop targeted interventions to address these issues.
  • Collaborative Care: Our team works closely together to ensure comprehensive care for PFPS, which may involve coordination with other specialists such as orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians, or podiatrists if needed.
    • Through our patient-centered approach, we aim to provide effective care and support to help you overcome PFPS and achieve improved knee function and overall well-being.

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Availability

Monday - Sunday

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Hours

9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Phone

(604)968-6557

Email

balancia@hotmail.com

Address

4536 Clinton Street, Burnaby, BC V5J 2K5, Canada