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28 years
3 monthes ago I had knee pain, I used to do a lot of sports,my doctor diagnosed me with patellofemoral syndrome, I have reduced my activity level, did 15 physio session,still feeling fragile knees.
Jul 14, 2014
Opinion requested

Dr. Rania Mousa General Medicine
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain in the front of the knee. It frequently occurs in teenagers, manual laborers, and athletes. It sometimes is caused by wearing down, roughening, or softening of the cartilage under the kneecap.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome may be caused by overuse, injury, excess weight, a kneecap that is not properly aligned (patellar tracking disorder), or changes under the kneecap.
Most people get better with simple treatments such as physiotherapy. However, it may take 4-6 months for full recovery and, meanwhile, you may need to reduce activities such as sports training.

In the short term:
Avoid strenuous use of the knee - until the pain eases. Symptoms usually improve in time if the knee is not overused. Aim to keep fit, but to reduce the activities which cause the pain.
Painkillers - paracetamol and/or anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatory painkillers are often helpful for this type of pain.

In the longer term, treatment aims to treat some of the underlying causes - for example, by strengthening muscles and helping with foot problems:
-Physiotherapy - improving the strength of the muscles around the knee will ease the stress on the knee. Also, specific exercises may help to correct problems with alignment and muscle balance around the knee. For example, you may be taught to do exercises which strengthen the inner side of the quadriceps muscle. You may also be taught exercises to stretch tight ligaments. The physiotherapist can give advice tailored to your individual situation.
-Suitable footwear - for example, arch supports if you have flat feet; suitable shoes if you are running; springy soles which reduce strain when walking.

Other possible treatments are:
Taping of the patella - this is a treatment which may reduce pain. It is where adhesive tape is applied over the patella, to alter the alignment or the way the patella moves. Some people find this helpful. Some physiotherapists can offer patellar taping treatment.
A special brace is another option which may help to reduce pain.
Surgery is not often used for patellofemoral pain. However, it may be helpful in certain situations. For example, to correct the alignment of the patella by releasing a tight ligament.
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