Definition
- Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) pain can occur in one or both knees and is the most common cause of knee pain. It can be acute, chronic or gradual onset or secondary to other knee disorders. The term describes the pain behind or around the kneecap (patella) resulting from the problems of the patellofemoral joint. Many factors may contribute to the development of the pain which affect the way the kneecap glides up and down the groove in the thigh bone (femur).
- Overuse and overload by repeated bending of the knee or other weight bearing activity may increase the pressure between the knee cap and thigh, irritating the under surface of the patella (cartilage) leading to wear and tear and causing pain
- Training errors and repeated weight bearing impact may be a contributing factor, particularly in running. Steps, hills and uneven surfaces tend to exacerbate pain.
- Muscle imbalance (weakness and inflexibility) or alignment problems (flat feet and knock-knees) can cause abnormal gliding of the patella causing it to track towards the outside of the thigh groove(femur).
