Patellofemoral pain is known as a pain at the front of the knee(s). The pain is also called runner’s knees as it is most common in athletes. However, it can occur in non-athletes as well due to excessive running, jumping, etc.. Here are the symptoms, causes and treatment of front knee pain.
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Knee Pain Symptoms
- You feel knee pain when your brain sends pain signals to the front of your knees and under the patella. The pain is usually on and off.
- You will have intense pain while doing any physical activity requiring a stretch of ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness, crunching noise, crippled walk, weakness, and instability to straighten the knee.
Knee Pain Causes
Excess weight – Obesity increases the risk of patellofemoral pain as it increases the stress over joints even when you perform ordinary activities such as using stairs and walking. There’s always a risk of cartilage damage due to overweight.
Injury – Injuries can affect ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. They can cause inflammation and swelling. You will have a problem in walking and straightening knees. Athletes are pregnable to this kind of knee pain because bones get out of place in sport activities. Having a previous injury can weaken the muscles leading to the knee pain occasionally.
Overuse – Some people afflict with knee pain because of overuse of knee muscles and bones. Though, running, walking, and jumping are good for your health, it’s best if performed in moderation.
Surgery – Knee surgery can also increase the risk of knee pain. Your knee might lack flexibility after surgery. Tight muscles don’t bear the stress and cause pain.
Knee Pain Treatment
Patellofemoral pain is very common in people, especially who are in late 30s. Here are the ways that can help you to deal with knee pain.
- Avoid long term sitting, squatting, walking, running, jumping, and driving. Don’t use the stairs too much. Though, using stairs can help you to manage weight a little bit but that doesn’t mean you can’t use lifts.
- Consult your doctor who can tell you the physical therapies for strengthening the muscles, ligaments, and bones around your knees. They may also prescribe you some painkillers.
- Perform the activities to fortify your quads such as squatting and leg press, but of course in moderation.
- Shed your pounds. Excess weight puts too much stress on the knees. Do brisk walks for at least 45 minutes in the morning. Avoid processed foods. Eat plenty of fruits and green vegetables. In short, burn more calories than you take in!
- Warming up is very important before attempting to exercises as it helps to tail off the stiffness. Do gentle stretching exercises.
- Always wear comfortable shoes when you exercise.
If you’re suffering from patellofemoral pain, you should follow above mentioned ways. They can forestall or ameliorate the condition.
