Vitamin H (Biotin): Best Food Sources, Benefits & Deficiency Symptoms
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)—often called runner’s knee—is a common cause of anterior knee pain. It results from irritation of the patellofemoral joint due to poor patellar tracking, muscle imbalance, overuse, or biomechanical faults.
Reduce pain and inflammation
Correct biomechanical and muscular imbalances
Improve patellar tracking
Restore function and prevent recurrence
Reduce aggravating activities (running, squatting, stairs)
Avoid prolonged sitting with bent knees (theater sign)
Gradually return to sport with load management
Rest from painful activities
Ice therapy: 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times/day
NSAIDs (short term, if prescribed)
Focus on muscles that stabilize the patella:
Quadriceps (especially vastus medialis obliquus – VMO)
Hip abductors & external rotators
Core muscles
Examples:
Straight leg raises
Mini-squats
Clamshells
Step-down exercises
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Iliotibial (IT) band
Calf muscles
Helps improve patellar alignment
Reduces pain during activity
Proper, supportive shoes
Foot orthoses for flat feet or overpronation
Avoid worn-out footwear
Correct abnormal gait patterns
Address knee valgus (inward collapse of knee)
Improve running technique and landing mechanics
Reducing excess body weight decreases stress on the knee joint
Importance of exercise compliance
Gradual progression of activity
Avoid sudden increases in training intensity
Injections (rare; only in selected cases)
Surgery (very uncommon, reserved for structural abnormalities)
Most patients improve within 6–12 weeks with proper physiotherapy
Early treatment prevents chronic pain and recurrence
PFPS is best managed conservatively, with exercise-based physiotherapy being the most effective treatment. Consistency, correct technique, and gradual return to activity are essential for long-term relief.
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