Do you suffer from pain at the front of your knee? Your patellofemoral joint may be the source.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common type of knee pain that affects people of all ages, but more women than men. This joint consists of the patella (kneecap) gliding in the femoral groove (a “valley” at the end of your femur or thigh bone).
Within a healthy knee, the patella glides smoothly within this groove as the knee bends and straightens. Patellofemoral pain results when there is increased friction at this joint created by improper movement of the patella.
Improper tracking of the patella can be due to weakness, muscle imbalance, tight/stiff tissues around the knee and hip, and/or misalignment of the leg. This can lead to excessive wear and tear on this joint and pain with walking up and down stairs and hills, squatting, kneeling, and sitting for long periods of time with the knee bent.
In order to preserve your patellofemoral joint health and function, it is important to have your knee pain evaluated and treated to get your patella back on the right track. It is also imperative that you learn how to protect this joint during your daily activities and move your knee in proper alignment with your hip and ankle, so your patella is not caught in a tug of war. The compressive forces at this joint increase significantly beyond a 90 degree bend, so this is an important consideration when you are squatting and biking so you can protect these joint surfaces.
If you would like to learn more about decreasing your patellofemoral pain, improving your patellofemoral joint health and function, and protecting this important joint, you’re in luck!
We’re offering a few FREE Discovery Consults this month with our Expert Doctors of Physical Therapy to help you find solutions to your aches & pains!
CLICK HERE:
https://www.balancewithinpt.com/free-discovery-consult.html
OR CALL OUR CLINIC: 262.264.8701
