The patella is another word for kneecap. The kneecap (patella) must fit exactly in a groove of the femur (femur). When flexing and extending the knee, the kneecap should slide up and down the groove. However, if the kneecap does not slide properly and, as it were, derails, instability arises.
This pain can occur with prolonged sitting, squatting and sports involving a lot of jumping (basketball, volleyball). Climbing stairs also often causes pain. Sometimes there is swelling in and around the knee. Young people in particular suffer from this type of pain complaints.
Cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome
The complaints occur more quickly if there is overload due to an abnormal foot position. If the foot tilts inward too much (overpronation) during walking, the lower leg will also turn. As a result, the knee can no longer stand straight, so that the kneecap can no longer slide up and down smoothly. This produces pain to the patella. Weakness of the thigh muscles can also play a role.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome treatment
At PodoPro podiatrists, the research focuses on finding the cause of the knee complaint. Your walking pattern and the position of your feet are analyzed. A treatment plan will then be drawn up in consultation with you. If there is overpronation due to a movement restriction in your ankle or foot, the podiatrist will use manual therapy to resolve this problem.
In addition to 'loosening' your ankle and / or foot, a podiatric inlay (sole) will often be advised to optimize your walking pattern, so that your knee complaints will reduce or disappear completely. In addition, a physiotherapist could contribute to the strengthening of possibly weakened buttock and thigh muscles. Make an appointment with PodoPro foot specialists to discuss what we can do for you.
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