With proper rest, exercise, and some adjustments, most kids with patellofemoral pain syndrome will be able to return to normal activities, including sports.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome leads to pain or a grinding sensation under or around the kneecap. It is also called runner's knee. Patellofemoral pain may be caused by overuse, muscle weakness, injury, flat feet, or the kneecap not lining up correctly. The pain is often felt during squatting, running, kneeling, getting up after sitting, and going up or down stairs.
Treatment usually focuses on exercises to strengthen the quadriceps (a large muscle at the front of the thigh) and stretch the hamstrings (muscles on the back of the thigh). Exercises like these help hold the kneecap in the correct position and reduce pain. With treatment, most people with patellofemoral pain syndrome get better and have mild knee pain only occasionally.
The health care provider asked questions about your child's symptoms and did a careful examination to help make the diagnosis. In some cases, an X-ray may have been ordered to rule out other knee problems.
It may take 3–4 months of doing physical therapy exercises before your child will see a decrease in pain. Your health care provider will talk to you about fun, low-impact exercise that might be appropriate for your child during recovery, like swimming and biking.
Once your child starts to improve, your child's health care provider or physical therapist can offer advice on a slow return to former activities. For example, it can help to avoid running hills and to wear well-cushioned, well-fitting sneakers. Arch supports in the shoes might also help.
