Anterior knee pain or patello - femoral pain syndrome is often marked as black hole of physiotherapy due to a lot of confusions on the topic. This article highlights the anterior knee pain treatment by physiotherapy.
Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome(PFPS) or Anterior knee pain is a condition characterised by disabling pain in the anterior aspect of knee.
CAUSES of Anterior Knee Pain:
Patellofemoral Instability due to Abnormal Q- angle, Dysplastic trochlea, Patella Alta, Tight lateral retinaculum, weak medial stabilizers.
Patellofemoral biomechanical dysfunction due to increased Q – angle, femoral anteversion, external tibial torsion, genu valgum, foot hyperpronation.
Soft tissue injuries like Plica Syndrome, Fat Pad Syndrome, Patellar Tendinitis, Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (Housemaid’s Knee), Osteochondritisa dissecans, Traumatic Patellar Chondromalacia, Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis, Apophysitis and trauma.
WHEN TO CONSULT A PHYSIOTHERAPIST If any of the following sign or symptom is visible in your knee consult a physiotherapist:
Weakness- It is due to reflex inhibition of Vastus Medialis Oblique(VMO) or simply Quadriceps. Pain- It is on the anterior aspect of knee and around the margin of patella. Redness- The affected knee may be swollen around the patella and in lower thigh. Redness- It is also visible in some cases in the upper part of patella and around it. Disability- Difficulty to perform ADLs like sitting cross- legged, climbing stairs, walking, jumping Stiffness- Pain and stiffness in the morning or after sitting in one posture for long hours.
