Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Avid runners in Singapore may experience pain behind or around the kneecap after a run. This may be a sign of a condition commonly known as Runner’s Knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. The knee is the largest joint in the body and it is composed of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (leg bone), and patella (knee cap). The kneecap rests on the sulcus of the thigh bone and articulates smoothly with it. The patellofemoral pain syndrome is the misalignment of the kneecap against the thigh bone which causes tracking disorder during knee movement.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The main symptom of patellofemoral pain syndrome is a diffuse pain or stiffness in the kneecap and its surrounding soft tissue. Pain is worse when the knee undergoes flexion and extension motions such as kneeling, climbing stairs, running, jumping and cycling. Grinding or clicking sensations can also be felt at times. Sitting in a bent knee position for too long may also trigger pain, such as in the cinema or on a plane.