How To Cure Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Do you need to know how to cure patellofemoral pain syndrome? This common knee problem causes pain in and around your kneecap. The condition often occurs in runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other athletes. The cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is not known, but it often gets worse when exercising or when sitting for a long period of time. Follow these steps to cure patellofemoral pain syndrome:

1. Stay in shape. Making sure you are in good physical condition can help you avoid putting too much stress on your knee joints.
2. Stretch before running and other physical activity. Making sure your ligaments are flexible can help avoid irritation to your knee.
3. Exercise safely. Always use the proper form and equipment for the activity you're doing. Ask a doctor if you aren't sure. Increase training gradually; don't do too much too soon.
4. Take a break from the activity that causes the pain. For example, if you often feel the symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome when running, switch to a low-impact activity like swimming instead. If the pain occurs when you've been sitting at your desk for a long time, get out of the office and walk around the block a few times.
5. After exercise, place ice on your sore knee for twenty minutes. This can help ease the pain of patellofemoral pain syndrome. You might also try an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen. Elevate your sore knee, and compress it with a bandage.
6. Do exercises that strengthen your quad muscles. These muscles, at the front of your thigh, control the movement of your knee, so making them stronger may help cure patellofemoral pain syndrome.
7. Make sure you are wearing proper exercise footwear. The types of shoes you are wearing when you exercise may cause knee pain. Switching your shoes, with the advice of a podiatrist, will often cure patellofemoral pain syndrome.
8. If the pain persists or worsens, see your doctor. He or she may recommend a physical therapy program to help cure patellofemoral pain syndrome, or, in the worst cases, surgery.