Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Stage 1

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4 - current step

Follow the information and Video advice below

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Stage 1

  • Cut running to a minimum, or stop and cross train, and then make sure you follow the correct protocol for introducing running again (video).
  • Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ and ‘OPTIONAL’ video advice below.
  • Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here),  if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
  • Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
  • Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Acupuncture may help.
  • Ice the area 3 to 4 times per day for 20 minutes at a time (see videos below).
  • Wearing a knee support with a hole can help. Taping the kneecap may also help to reduce the symptoms as you heal (see videos below).
  • As your symptoms start to subside, and you can start to gently run again, you can then go on to STAGE 2 of rehabilitation.

Attention!

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome can be confused with, and can lead to Chondromalacia Patella, a more difficult condition to treat. The symptoms can also be similar to another condition called Patella Plica, which requires attention from a medical consultant.

Ensure you seek advice from your doctor or sports therapist.