Kneecap Discomfort or Patellofemoral Syndrome
The knee is the largest joint in the body and the most easily injured. The kneecap (patella) fits in a groove between where the thigh (thighbone) meets the shin (shinbone). The knee is also comprised of ligaments, which connect bones and help to regulate motion. Kneecap discomfort, or patellofemoral syndrome, is discomfort around the kneecap or patella of the knee.
Irritation to the soft tissues in front of the knee, or a failure of the cartilage material can cause pain. Dull discomfort is felt under the kneecap and is generally the result of overuse. Joggers who over train or train throughout injury are specifically vulnerable to this disorder. When ascending or coming down stairways and when running downhill, pain has a tendency to worsen. The knee could stabilize after sitting for a long time. Weakness and tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf bone muscular tissues, and also flat feet, and over-pronation, could result in this issue.
Other symptoms of patellofemoral discomfort syndrome are: inflammation along the internal perimeter of the kneecap; swelling; a cracking noise can be heard when the knee is bent; short-term loss of function.
Your medical professional may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. In many cases, we might prescribe a knee prepare for help. If you are flat-footed or have over-pronated feet, she might prescribe orthotic foot supports. Sometimes surgical treatment may be called for to alleviate discomfort.
Treatment will involve using ultrasound, laser device, or power stimulation, taping methods to stabilize the knee and stretching and enhancing physical exercises. It is extremely important to boost the vastus medialis (oblique) muscular tissue to give stability to the knee. Isometric (static) contractions work most effectively.
Some means to avoid patellofemoral discomfort are:
– Remain in shape. Many pain is created by lack of conditioning or overweight which puts stress on the knee.
– Stretch after warm-up and prior to and after exercise. We will reveal you how you can do this.
– Build up steadily. Do not go full force straightaway; provide your muscular tissues time to warm up.
– Correct running shoes are crucial. We can advise you on what is best for you.
– Improve your technique. We can show you how.