Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome And Its Primary Impairments

Patellofemoral pain syndrome and its primary impairments can make daily life and basic movement extremely painful.  The condition is usually characterized by severe pain, weakened cartilage, and painful swelling in the front of the kneecap. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) is sometimes called runner’s knee because it often affects runners and other athletes. 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome can result from overuse or injury to the knees. For this reason it is common in athletes and also in people who spend a lot of time on their feet for work.  Changes to the kneecap due to normal growth spurts are another risk factor for PPS, making it common among teenagers.  Carrying excess body weight can also put strain on the knees and cause patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The primary impairment of PPS is severe knee pain. The pain may be worse when bending the knees or climbing the stairs. The knee pain can also be worse after sitting in one position for a long period of time. PPS can limit mobility because of this pain, most people will be most comfortable when they are not moving or bending the knees. Another impairment of PPS is the inability to fully bend the knee. Due to soreness and swelling, people with patellofemoral pain syndrome often cannot move the knee through its full range of motion.

Decreased mobility is another primary impairment of PPS. As the cartilage in the knee is worn down, people with PPS may experience a popping feeling and severe pressure in the knee when they walk or move around. The joint may also make a clicking sound when it moves. Some people with patellofemoral pain syndrome also experience knee buckling where their knees will sporadically fail to support the body.