Patellofemoral (puh-tel-o-FEM-uh-rul) pain syndrome is pain at the front of your knee, around your kneecap (patella). Sometimes called “runner’s knee,” it’s more common in people who participate in sports that involve running and jumping.
Is the patella part of the knee joint?
The patella (derived from latin means ‘small plate’) is a flat, inverted triangular bone, situated on the front of the knee-joint. It is the largest sesamoid bone, developed in the tendon of the Quadriceps femoris, and resembles these bones as it is…
What is the most common patella injury?
Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury, caused by repeated stress on your patellar tendon. The stress results in tiny tears in the tendon, which your body attempts to repair. But as the tears in the tendon multiply, they cause pain from inflammation and weakening of the tendon.
What is the main function of the patella?
The patella rides in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris—the largest muscle of the thigh and the primary extensor of the knee. The patella functions to protect the knee joint, to lengthen the lever arm of the quadriceps femoris, and to increase the area of contact between the patellar ligament and the femur.
How do you treat an injured patella?
Treatment
- Rest the injured knee to prevent further injury and allow time for inflammation to subside.
- Apply ice to the knee to reduce inflammation.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) to help with inflammation and alleviate some of the pain.
How do you fix a patella injury?
Two types of surgery may be done to repair a fractured kneecap: Open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) surgery: The surgeon opens the skin and puts the broken bones back together with metal wires, pins or screws. Broken pieces of bone too small to be fixed are removed.
What does a patella injury feel like?
Pain and tenderness around your patellar tendon. Swelling. Pain with jumping, running, or walking. Pain when bending or straightening the leg.
Will my patella ever heal?
Patellar Tendonitis is usually curable within 6 weeks if treated appropriately with conservative treatment and resting of the affected area.
How do you stop patella pain?
Rest your knee as much as possible. Avoid or modify activities that increase the pain, such as climbing stairs, kneeling or squatting….A physical therapist might suggest:
- Rehabilitation exercises.
- Supportive braces.
- Taping.
- Ice.
- Knee-friendly sports.
