Overview
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is knee pain under or around your kneecap (patella). Healthcare providers also sometimes call PFPS runner’s knee.
Your patella is the bone at the front of your knee joint. It helps your quadriceps muscle move your leg, protects your knee, and supports lots of important muscles, tendons and ligaments.
“Patellofemoral” is the medical term for the connection between your patella and your thigh bone (femur). Usually, your patella fits into a groove in your femur and slides smoothly along that space when you move your knee. If you have PFPS, something may affect how your patella moves and make it painful.
People usually develop PFPS over time. It can affect one or both of your knees at once. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing knee pain that doesn’t get better in a few weeks.
How common is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
PFPS is very common. Experts estimate that around one-third of people who visit healthcare providers with knee pain have PFPS.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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