Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common cause of knee pain seen by doctors. It's common in people who participate in sports, especially women and young adults.
The most common symptom is knee pain that increases with stair climbing or squatting movements.
The primary treatment is rest. Pain relievers or physical therapy also can reduce pain.
More than 3 million US cases per year
Treatable by a medical professional
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging rarely required
Medium-term: resolves within months
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.
The knee pain often increases when you run, walk up or down stairs, sit for long periods, or squat. Simple treatments — such as rest and ice — often help, but sometimes physical therapy is needed to ease patellofemoral pain.
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