We Have Good News For Your Kneecaps
To Reduce Swelling And Pain
To Reduce Pain With Activity
To Improve Alignment And Function
Patello femoral pain can be resolved by improving the alignment of the patella as it tracks on the femur and by reducing activities that load that joint.
What is Patello Femoral Pain?
Patello femoral pain is a characterized by pain at the front of the knee. The pain is related to activities that make the patella (knee cap) track across the femur (thigh bone) such as squats, lunges and stair climbing – or sustained compression of the patello femoral joint such as sitting or kneeling. This results in abnormal wear of the joints articular cartilage with resultant pain, swelling and crepitus or grinding. This condition is common in active teenagers with muscle imbalance and in older patients with some arthritis and alignment issues.
What happens without treatment?
Ongoing patella femoral pain will cause weakness of the quadriceps (thigh) muscle and the risk the knee will give way and result in more injury.
Many patients with knee joint arthritis or small meniscal tears also have patello femoral pain due which can be the major source of their disability and can be effectively treated with physiotherapy, thereby eliminating the need for surgery or expensive injections.
How Can We Help?
Patello femoral pain can be resolved by improving the alignment of the patella as it tracks on the femur and by reducing activities that load that joint.
Ross Baines is skilled in the assessment of lower limb biomechanics impacting on the patella. Consideration of hip stability, length and strength of muscles impacting on the patella and foot mechanics that affect knee alignment will be included in your assessment.
Treatment will involve a stretch and strengthen program. Taping the patella (McConnell Taping) can immediately improve patella tracking and reduce pain for participation in activities whilst the rehab exercises improve alignment over the longer term (1 – 2 months).
Manual therapy can be indicated to mobilize the knee cap if the supporting ligaments are tight. Orthotics may be required if there is excessive pronation at the hindfoot. Our assessment can include a GaitScan to map foot mechanics during walking or observation of functional activities in our gym or running on a treadmill. Our GaitScan system enables the prescription of flexible, comfortable, low profile custom orthotics.
In our experience 80% of patients improve with 5 sessions of physiotherapy and attention to rehab exercise over 1 – 2 month period.
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