Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Synonym	Runner's knee, retropatellar pain syndrome, lateral facet compression syndrome, idiopathic anterior knee pain. Also chondromalacia patella where there are changes to the patella articular cartilage.
Definition	Anterior knee pain where other causes have been excluded.
Epidemiology	Very common. More common in women.

Patellofemoral pain is anterior knee pain involving the patella and retinaculum where other causes of anterior knee pain have been excluded.

Treatment

Acute Phase

In the acute phase overload is very likely. Runners should reduce their running volume, and in severe cases should stop running entirely. Those with more mild symptoms may only need to reduce more strenuous activities such as hill running. In order to maintain fitness runners can be encouraged to use a stationary bike, upper body cycle, swimming, or other activities that do not cause knee pain.

There is limited evidence for the use of NSAIDs in the short term, with naproxen being more effective than placebo.

There is no evidence to support the use of ultrasound, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, or electrical stimulation.